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Former Predators First-Round Pick Lands Contract off PTO With Red Wings

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4 weeks ago

October 7, 2024

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Former Predators First-Round Pick Lands Contract off PTO With Red Wings

There have now been a number of contracts given out to players who signed PTOs before training camp around the league. Among former Nashville Predators, the most notable has been Tyson Barrie earning a contract with the Calgary Flames. Now there is another former Predators player about to stick with a new team.

Austin Watson, who was drafted 18th overall in 2010 by the Predators, has signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Detroit Red Wings.

Austin Watson signs a one-year, two-way deal with the #redwings. He attended training camp on a PTO.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) October 7, 2024

For the Red Wings, this two-way contract allows for Detroit to keep him under team contract for the entire season and not risk losing him on waivers at any point when they may need to send him down. The season-opening rosters are to be finalized today.

Watson brings physicality, toughness, veteran experience, and a decent fourth line player that can play any amount of games the team needs. He played five seasons and a six-game trial run before moving on in 2020-21 from Nashville to the Ottawa Senators.

The big 32-year-old winger spent last season with the Tampa Bay Lightning, getting into 33 games and scoring two goals and four points. While averaging just 7:16 of ice time per game, he did what he does best, play with an edge. Watson finished the season with 93 penalty minutes and 85 hits. He should provide value from the fourth line as he averages nearly 10 goals per 82 games over his career.

We will have to see what Watson can do with his one-year contract with the Red Wings and if he remains in the NHL the entire season.