The Detroit Red Wings made a notable roster move on Tuesday by assigning veteran forward Austin Watson to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, after he cleared waivers. The move comes as the Red Wings continue to fine-tune their lineup early in the season, balancing the need for veteran presence and the development of younger talent. Watson’s assignment to Grand Rapids could have implications not only for the Red Wings’ roster but also for the Griffins, who will gain an experienced player.
Austin Watson, 31, joined the Red Wings organization after signing a professional tryout (PTO) with Detroit during the preseason. Known for his physical style of play and strong penalty-killing abilities, Watson was brought in as a potential depth piece who could add a hard-nosed element to the team’s forward group. Despite his experience and contributions in the preseason, the Red Wings ultimately decided to waive Watson, giving other NHL teams the opportunity to claim him before sending him to the AHL. With no claims made, he is now set to join the Griffins.
Watson’s reassignment reflects the Red Wings’ current roster strategy under general manager Steve Yzerman and head coach Derek Lalonde. The team is in the midst of a rebuild, prioritizing the development of younger players such as Lucas Raymond, Joe Veleno, and Jonatan Berggren. While Watson’s physical play and leadership qualities are valuable, the Red Wings are focused on giving their young forwards more opportunities to prove themselves at the NHL level.
However, having Watson in Grand Rapids is far from a setback for the organization. His presence will bolster the Griffins’ lineup, offering them a seasoned player who can mentor younger prospects while continuing to play a competitive role on the ice. Watson’s experience, which includes nearly 500 NHL games played with the Nashville Predators and Ottawa Senators, will be an asset to the Griffins as they aim to develop the next wave of Red Wings talent. His ability to play a physical game and contribute defensively could be especially valuable in tough AHL matchups.
For Watson, the move to Grand Rapids may also provide an opportunity to stay ready for a potential call-up back to the NHL. Injuries and other lineup changes throughout the long NHL season could create openings, and having a veteran like Watson available in the AHL allows the Red Wings to maintain depth. He could be a logical candidate to rejoin the Red Wings’ roster should they need a physical forward to round out the lineup or bolster the penalty kill.
The decision to assign Watson to the Griffins also highlights the Red Wings’ commitment to keeping their options open as the season progresses. With Watson now in Grand Rapids, the team can focus on giving younger players NHL experience while retaining the ability to bring back a battle-tested forward if the need arises. This strategic flexibility is particularly important for a team like Detroit, which is still in the process of rebuilding and shaping its identity in a competitive Atlantic Division.
Watson’s reassignment has also been met with interest from fans, many of whom appreciate his gritty playing style and dedication on the ice. While he may not be in Detroit’s immediate plans, his contributions to the Griffins could help create a winning environment in Grand Rapids, which in turn benefits the entire organization. A successful stint in the AHL could even help Watson regain his footing and prove that he is still capable of contributing at the NHL level.
Overall, Austin Watson’s assignment to the Grand Rapids Griffins after clearing waivers is a strategic move by the Detroit Red Wings. It reflects the team’s ongoing efforts to balance veteran leadership with the development of young talent as they navigate the early stages of the 2024-2025 NHL season. Watson’s presence in the AHL will be a boost for the Griffins while providing the Red Wings with depth and flexibility as they work toward their goal of returning to NHL prominence. As the season unfolds, the organization will continue to monitor both Watson’s performance in the AHL and the progress of its young players in the NHL, keeping a close eye on how best to utilize their available resources to achieve success.