Kraken Hopeful Alexis Bernier
… and why the heck is he presently listed on the Kraken’s NHL.com roster?
Seattle will give the 20-year-old Alexis Bernier a look at camp. He’ll likely end up playing the season with the Coachella Valley Firebirds of the American Hockey League (AHL).
He’s a right-shot defenseman who moves the puck very well. Before Seattle selected him in the 3rd-round of the NHL Draft in 2024, Elite Prospects said this about him in their guide …
— As much as possible, he keeps the puck in control of his team with his poise and clever, simple passes. If a teammate gets open in the offensive zone, he spots him. And if another frees himself for a breakaway, he lands the stretch pass. —
Bernier’s Chicoutimi Saguenéens won the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League championship this past season, falling in the semi-final of the Memorial Cup to the Western Hockey League champion Everett Silvertips. The ‘tips went on to lose to the Ontario Hockey League’s Kitchener Rangers in the final. The Memorial Cup is major junior hockey’s ultimate prize, battled over by the three league champions and a host team, in 2026 that being the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets.
Bernier’s participation in winning the QMJHL title was a comeback story. He suffered a torn ACL knee injury late in the 2024-’25 while playing in the same league for the Baie-Comeau Drakkar, and underwent reconstructive surgery during the summer that followed. It forced him to miss Kraken development camp activities in 2025.
Healthy again, and following a trade to Chicoutimi, he bounced back as a key contributor, particularly in the postseason, when he tallied four goals and seven points over 20 playoff games.
The 6-foot-1, 200-pounder is not projected to have a long-term impact in the NHL, at least not high in the line-up. Dobber Hockey’s scouting synopsis …
— Smart, proactive defenseman who can do a bit of everything well. Lacks complexity and risk-taking, but could be an effective bottom-pair NHL blue-liner. —
Bernier was healthy for this past summer’s Kraken development camp, fresh off signing a three-year entry-level contract in May for just more than $1-million per season. That’s the NHL salary as part of a two-way contract. He won’t be earning that amount.
He’s another young guy getting a look. At best he’ll make the line-up with the Coachella Valley Firebirds this season.
His story, his continued comeback, will be a fun, if not an inspiring one to watch.
(Part of a series of articles featuring lesser known names presently on the expanded Seattle roster. Does it mean they’ll be at the NHL training camp … ?)
Earlier Kraken:
— One Trick Doctors Hate Protects Seattle Fans From Clickbait And ALL CAPS Headlines
Earlier Canucks:
— Canucks PR Poison NHL Writers Association
Where’s Seattle and NHL national play-by-play man John Forslund been?? Well, he’s right here, catching up with Rob Simpson on what’s ahead for the Kraken …
