A number of contracts have now been handed out to players who signed PTOs before the league’s training camp. Among former Nashville Predators, Tyson Barrie was the most notable to earn a contract with the Calgary Flames. Now, another former Predators player is set to stay with a new team.
Austin Watson, who was drafted 18th overall by the Predators in 2010, has signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Detroit Red Wings.
Austin Watson signs a one-year, two-way contract with the #redwings. He attended training camp at a PTO.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) October 7, 2024
For the Red Wings, this two-way contract allows Detroit to keep him under team contract for the entire season and not risk losing him to waivers at some point when they might have to send him down. The season opening schedules will be finalized today.
Watson brings physicality, strength, veteran experience and a decent fourth-line player who can play any number of games the team needs. He played five seasons and a six-game tryout before moving from Nashville to the Ottawa Senators in 2020-21.
Related: Tanner Molendyk Outshines Fellow Predators Prospects, Gets Extended Preseason Looks
The big 32-year-old winger spent last season with the Tampa Bay Lightning, playing 33 games and scoring two goals and four points. Even though he averaged just 7:16 of ice time per game, he did what he did best: play with an edge. Watson finished the season with 93 penalty minutes and 85 goals. He should provide value from the fourth line as he averaged almost ten goals per 82 games over his career.
We’ll have to see what Watson can do with his one-year contract with the Red Wings and if he stays in the NHL for the full season.
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