Sabres don’t extend qualifying offers to Jacob Bernard-Docker, three others

BUFFALO – The Sabres on Monday did not extend an $866,250 qualifying offer to defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker, making him a free agent.

They extended qualifying offers to goalie Devon Levi, defensemen Bowen Byram, Ryan Johnson and Conor Timmins and forwards Tyson Kozak and Ryan McLeod.

Byram, Johnson, McLeod and Timmins all have arbitration rights. Bernard-Docker had them before the Sabres did not qualify him.

Forwards Aleksandr Kisakov, Bennett MacArthur and Tyler Tullio – three other pending restricted free agents – also did not receive qualifying offers. They all spent last season in the minors.

The Sabres drafted Kisakov in the second round in 2021, 53rd overall. The Russian played sparingly for the Rochester Americans for three seasons, compiling 14 goals and 25 points in 93 games. He played just 13 times last season, registering three goals and four points.

The Sabres could still be interested in re-signing Bernard-Docker, a right shot. Last year, they re-signed defenseman Jacob Bryson to a cheaper contract after not qualifying him.

Bernard-Docker, 25, compiled one goal and four points in 15 games for the Sabres after arriving in a trade with the Ottawa Senators.

Ottawa drafted him 26th overall in 2018.