Red Wings Looking to Add Bite

Derek Lalonde would rather that his Detroit Red Wings had some more bite. So he’s considering a switch.

Two forwards in Red Wings training camp are players who would bring that element to the lineup. Austin Watson and Isaac Ratcliffe are in Traverse City on Professional Tryout Offers (PTO). They are promised nothing beyond a chance to show what they’ve got.

If you’ve ever watched the hockey cult classic Slap Shot, a chance to show what they’ve got was all it took for the Hanson brothers to make their mark with the Charlestown Chiefs.

Lalonde isn’t looking for anyone to bring that level of mayhem to the ice. But he does believe there’s a place for controlled mayhem.

“I think when done correctly, every team could use that and that type of player,” the Red Wings coach said.

Both Watson and Ratcliffe are certainly that type of player.

Watson Won’t Back Down

Last season, Watson was dropping the gloves seven times. He would tangle with 2023-24 NHL fight leader Nicolas Deslauriers, Zack MacEwen and Pat Maroon among his combatants.

“I don’t think he backs down from anyone,” said Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat, Watson’s teammate with the 2022-23 Ottawa Senators.

Watson collected 93 penalty minutes in 33 games last season with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Twice, he’s accumulated 123 PIM in a single NHL season.

With the 2018-19 OHL champion Guelph Storm, Ratcliffe was turning the unique double of leading the team in goals (50) and penalty minutes (105).

His NHL resume is limited in comparison to Watson. Ratcliffe saw action in 10 games for the 2021-22 Philadelphia Flyers, collecting 10 PIM.

Red Wings May Enter Protection Racket

Detroit is a team loaded with high-end skill. The Red Wings run deep in players with silky mitts. They are short-staffed when it comes to players willing to drop the mitts. As a team, the Wings only fought 11 times all season.

That’s why they might be considering enrollment into the NHL protection racket.

“Obviously, we have some skill,” Lalonde said. “We would like that skill to be comfortable in the way they play, and that can look different at times.

“So, of course, I think we would love that element if it’s the right fit.”

Along with bringing an element of toughness, in today’s game, rugged players must deliver more that just fistic punches. They need to add something else to the lineup.

Watson has certainly proven to be a player of that ilk during his 10 NHL seasons.

“I think he brings that nasty element,” DeBrincat said. “He’s so hard on the forecheck. He plays maybe not too many minutes, but he’s playing those minutes hard, and he’s crushing their D and getting them tired for the rest of the game.

“So, he’d be a great addition to this team.”