Bernier signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Seattle Kraken in May 2026. His deal carries an average annual value (AAV) of $1.03M and runs through the 2028-29 season.

Bernier turned in a solid season in the QMJHL. His third season saw him provide 14 goals, 32 assists and 59 PIMs in 59 games played.

Bernier was selected 73rd overall by the Kraken.

Bernier got off to a late start in the 2025-26 season due to recovering from an ACL injury, but he totaled 12 points in 21 games for the Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL) in his first season with the team after three years with Baie-Comeau. He scored four goals and recorded seven points in 20 playoff games for Chicoutimi. Chris Babos

He was the leading scorer from the blueline of the Baie-Comeau Drakkar, and was a top five defenseman in the entire QMJHL in scoring, and tied for third for goals. Not bad for a player more well known for his defensive billing. Bernier will turn 19 this summer, and will not be far out from competing for a job with Coachella Valley. He might not be worth an investment now in shallower leagues, but he’s certainly a player worth watchlisting as he grows.

June 2024I’m not sure Bernier becomes anything special at the NHL level, but there is a lot to work with in his game. He’s smart and proactive on the puck, finding different ways to play it to open teammates without necessarily forcing anything. He’s powerful and fluid, making him quite a useful rush defender — again, without forcing anything. He’s relatively simplistic and risk-averse, but there’s value as a bottom-pair facilitator who can keep the puck out of his zone. Very Alexandre Carrier-esque in his safe, secure approach to the game from the back-end. Hadi Kalakeche