Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Austin Watson

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 26, 2025

Discover the career path of Austin Watson, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Austin Watson is an American professional ice hockey left winger currently playing for the Detroit Red Wings in the NHL. Drafted 18th overall by the Nashville Predators in 2010, he has also played for the Ottawa Senators and Tampa Bay Lightning during his NHL career.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2009: Played in Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament

In 2009, Watson was selected to play for the US national under-18 select team for the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, where he tied the US record for most points in a single game.

January 11, 2010: Traded to Peterborough Petes

On January 11, 2010, Watson was traded from the Spitfires to the Peterborough Petes, where he received more playing time. He also played in the 2010 CHL Top Prospects game for Team Cherry, but broke his ankle.

2010: Drafted by Nashville Predators

In 2010, Austin Watson was selected 18th overall by the Nashville Predators in the NHL entry draft.

2010: Played at the World U18 Hockey Championships

In 2010, Watson played for the US national team at the World U18 Hockey Championships, but was ejected from the championship game for a boarding call, despite the team winning the gold medal.

2010: NHL Entry Draft and Ranking

In 2010, after being traded to the Petes, Watson's draft ranking improved, leading to him being drafted in the first round, 18th overall, by the Nashville Predators.

January 9, 2012: Traded to London Knights

On January 9, 2012, Watson was traded to the London Knights for Chase Hatcher and draft picks. He later won the J. Ross Robertson Cup and the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award as playoff MVP, becoming the first American to win the OHL Playoff MVP honors.

2012: Professional Career Begins

In 2012, Watson began his professional career, playing for the Milwaukee Admirals in the AHL.

April 23, 2013: First NHL Goal

On April 23, 2013, Austin Watson scored his first career NHL goal against Mikka Kiprusoff of the Calgary Flames.

2015: Regular in Predators Lineup

During the 2015-16 NHL season, Austin Watson became a regular in the Predators' lineup, appearing in 57 games.

October 6, 2016: Placed on Waivers

On October 6, 2016, Austin Watson was placed on waivers but went unclaimed.

July 24, 2017: Re-signed by the Predators

On July 24, 2017, Watson re-signed with the Predators for three years, receiving $3.3 million, equivalent to $1.1 million annually.

November 18, 2017: Suspended for Boarding

On November 18, 2017, Watson received a two-game suspension for boarding Dominic Toninato of the Colorado Avalanche.

2018: Suspension for Non-Hockey Reasons

In the 2018-19 season, Watson missed the first 18 games due to a suspension for non-hockey related reasons.

January 29, 2019: Indefinite Suspension

On January 29, 2019, Watson received an indefinite suspension after an alcohol-related relapse.

March 25, 2019: Reinstated and Assigned to Milwaukee

On March 25, 2019, after completing the NHL's substance abuse program, Watson was reinstated and assigned to Milwaukee.

October 10, 2020: Traded to Ottawa Senators

On October 10, 2020, Watson was traded by Nashville to the Ottawa Senators for a fourth-round draft pick in the 2021 NHL entry draft.

January 15, 2021: Ottawa Debut and First Goal

On January 15, 2021, Watson debuted with Ottawa, scoring his first goal against Frederik Andersen in a 5-3 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

November 2, 2021: Season Debut After Injury

On November 2, 2021, after being hurt in the final exhibition game, Watson made his season debut in a 5-4 overtime loss to the Minnesota Wild.

February 13, 2022: Suspended for Interference

On February 13, 2022, Watson was suspended two games for interference on Boston Bruins defenseman Jack Ahcan.

August 24, 2023: Signed Tryout Contract with Tampa Bay Lightning

On August 24, 2023, Watson signed a professional tryout contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning in preparation for the 2023–24 season.

August 29, 2024: Invited to Detroit Red Wings Training Camp

On August 29, 2024, Watson accepted an invitation to attend the Detroit Red Wings training camp for the 2024–25 season on a professional tryout.

October 7, 2024: Signed with Detroit Red Wings

On October 7, 2024, following the preseason, Watson signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings.

March 5, 2025: Signed Contract Extension with Detroit

On March 5, 2025, Austin Watson signed a one-year, two-way contract extension with Detroit.

Mentioned in this timeline

Wayne Gretzky nicknamed The Great One is widely considered the...

Colorado a Mountain and Southwestern U S state is the...

Detroit Michigan's most populous city sits on the Detroit River...

An avalanche is a swift descent of snow down a...

The Tampa Bay Lightning are a professional ice hockey team...

Minnesota is a U S state in the Upper Midwest...