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Detroit Red Wings sign Austin Watson After successful PTO, place on waivers |
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Update (per PHR) - 1:14 p.m.: Detroit placed Watson on waivers Monday, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports. Since he’s been signed and waived on the same day, he can be designated non-roster and not count against the cap for the Red Wings’ opening-night submission.
Austin Watson has officially been signed to a two way deal that will pay 775k in the NHL or 200k in the AHL (275k guaranteed).
The link mentions Detroit sending Kasper to the AHL to make room. It seems more likely that Watson will be competing in a lower role than what is hoped for as Kasper looks to be a top 6 competitor. Regardless, as we’ve discussed, it was Austin’s physical play that made him a draw for Detroit.
Raymond doesn’t mind mixing it up, neither does Larkin, but it’s not ideal to see either taking a risk. While Watson won’t likely be sharing a line, he can certainly “take a number”. Also valuable in just physically moving competitors out of the crease.
Holl’s waiver yesterday had and this move today seem like the team has their opening night roster. To be fully transparent, it is a sincere hope to see Kasper back in the Winged Wheel sooner rather than later.