Former Predators first-round pick signs non-PTO contract with Red Wings

Numerous contracts have now been awarded across the league to players who signed a PTO before training camp. Among the former Nashville Predators, the most notable was Tyson Barrie, who received a contract with the Calgary Flames. Now another former Predators player is set to stay with a new team.

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

For the Red Wings, this two-way contract means Detroit can keep him under a team contract for the entire season and not risk losing him to waivers when they may have to trade him away. The squads for the season opening should be finalized today.

Watson brings physicality, toughness, veteran experience and a decent fourth-line player who can play in any number of games the team needs. He played five seasons and six tryouts before being traded from Nashville to the Ottawa Senators in 2020-21.

Related: Tanner Molendyk outlasts other Predators' prospects and gets featured in more detail in preseason

The tall 32-year-old winger spent last season with the Tampa Bay Lightning, playing 33 games and scoring two goals and four points. While he averaged just 7:16 minutes 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 goals. He should provide value on the fourth line as he averages nearly 10 goals per 82 games over his career.

We'll have to see what Watson can do with his one-year deal with the Red Wings and if he stays in the NHL for the entire season.

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