History of Austin Watson in Timeline

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

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.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1988: Jenn Watson's (Guardino) birth

In circa 1988, Jenn Watson (formerly Jenn Guardino), who would later marry Austin Watson, was born.

January 13, 1992: Austin Watson's Birth

On January 13, 1992, Austin Watson, an American professional ice hockey left winger currently playing for the Detroit Red Wings, was born.

2005: Played in Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament

In 2005, Austin Watson played in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the Detroit Compuware Ambassadors minor ice hockey team as a youth.

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.

June 16, 2018: Arrested for Domestic Assault

On June 16, 2018, Watson was arrested in Franklin, Tennessee, on a misdemeanour charge of domestic assault after an incident involving his girlfriend, Jenn Guardino, at a gas station.

July 24, 2018: Pleaded No Contest to Domestic Assault Charge

On July 24, 2018, Watson pleaded no contest to the domestic assault charge, receiving one-year probation and a 26-week batterer intervention course. He was also suspended by the NHL, later reduced to 18 games.

October 13, 2018: Guardino Takes Blame for Incident

On October 13, 2018, Jenn Guardino issued a statement taking full blame for the June 16 incident, stating it was not an act of domestic violence and attributing it to her drinking problem, while apologizing to those involved.