Red Wings Recall Watson From Griffins

The Detroit Red Wings have recalled forward Austin Watson from the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins. This recall is under emergency conditions, meaning that someone on the roster would have to be injured and unavailable to play in Wednesday’s game at Little Caesars Arena against the Winnipeg Jets.

That player is likely forward Vladimir Tarasenko. He’s being affected by illness and wasn’t taking part in Wednesday’s game day skate.

UPDATE: The #RedWings have recalled Austin Watson from the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins under emergency conditions. pic.twitter.com/K9Oi5G5dbO

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) October 30, 2024

“This flu bug is picking us off one by one,” Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde indicated. “I guess it’s a nice flu bug, it’s not all at once.”

At the time, Lalonde was appearing doubtful that Tarasenko was going to be available to play.

“Probably a game-time decision,” Lalonde said. “We’re not opposed to going 11 and 7. We may even bring someone up.”

Watson Carrying Hot Hand

A veteran of more than 500 NHL games, right-winger Watson was agreeing to terms on a contract with the Red Wings after attending training camp on a professional tryout offer (PTO). Taking assignment to the AHL Griffins, he’s been carrying a hot hand of late.

Watson is on a team-high three-game assist streak from Oct. 25-27. His six helpers in seven games are tied for seventh overall in the AHL.

Watson made his Red Wings debut on Oct. 14 at the New York Rangers, showing two penalty minutes and a minus-one rating. The 18th overall pick of the 2010 NHL entry draft suited up for 33 contests with the Tampa Bay Lightning last season, notching four points (2-2-4), 93 penalty minutes and a plus-two rating.

Watson has spent 11 seasons in the NHL since 2012-13 and has totaled 118 points (60-58-118), 707 penalty minutes and a minus-four rating in 516 career games. The Ann Arbor, Mich., native had spent his entire AHL career with the Milwaukee Admirals prior to this season, last competing in the league during the 2018-19 season. The 32-year-old has totaled 138 points (73-65-138), 108 penalty minutes and a plus-16 rating in 241 career AHL outings.