This could be it for one longtime NHL player.
Detroit Red Wings enforcer Austin Watson was sent down to the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins ahead of Tuesday’s matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights (10 p.m. ET).
With the latest roster move, the organization sent a combined 528 games of NHL experience to the minors, giving the Grand Rapids Griffins an immediate boost of toughness and veteran stability. It also brings back a familiar face, as their former AHL All-Star returns to the lineup and adds a reliable presence to a group that could use it.
Austin Watson's career is all but over
As for Watson’s NHL future, the runway appears short. If his ambition is to remain at the sport’s highest tier, this moment may represent his final foothold. Yet if his devotion to the game endures—if he still finds purpose in showing up, working, and contributing in any capacity—then this opportunity may be the most fitting and realistic chapter left for him.
But if you’re the Griffins, you’re getting a dependable player at this level—and an entertaining one at that. Watson is the kind of forward who can still bring real bite to a lineup, and fans love a guy who can deliver bone-rattling hits, especially at AHL prices.
The former first-round pick has nothing to hang his head about. Most players never reach the NHL, let alone carve out the kind of career he has. Across 528 games, Watson produced 63 goals and 58 assists for 121 points.
Did he fully meet the expectations that trailed him on draft day? No, not exactly. But he carried himself like a pro, showed up with the same work ethic every day, and proved he was good enough to stick around far longer than many.
If injuries hit at some point this season, Watson will almost certainly earn a call-up, and his physical edge would be a welcome addition. But in terms of long-term runway, his NHL days are clearly winding down. All the same, it’s worth recognizing—and appreciating—what he managed to accomplish at hockey’s highest level.
There is a silver lining
On the other hand, this disappointing turn of events for Watson could turn into a beautiful opportunity to mentor some of the up-and-coming players on the Griffins.
As a former first-round pick, surely there are lessons that can be learned from Watson. A player like Nate Danielson, for instance, could ask Watson if there were anything he could go back and change, what it could it be?
Perhaps Watson could tell Danielson that he wishes he could go back and do this or that, and not to make this mistake or that mistake. Those conversations can be extremely valuable to a young player.
A good example would be Nathan MacKinnon and Sidney Crosby. How rare and incredible of an opportunity was it for MacKinnon to be under the wing of one of the greatest NHL players of this era at such a young age. Of course, MacKinnon was motivated himself coming in, but there's no doubt that Crosby's influence had a major impact on him.