Austin Watson Bio
Austin Watson is an American professional ice hockey left winger currently playing for the Grand Rapids Griffins in the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract with the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on January 13, 1992, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Watson was drafted 18th overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Throughout his career, he has also played for the Ottawa Senators and the Tampa Bay Lightning, showcasing his skills in various roles on the ice.
Early Life and Background
Austin Watson was raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, by his parents, Mike and Mary Watson. He is the oldest of ten children, with nine brothers and one sister. Watson’s early exposure to sports included playing for the high school golf team at Father Gabriel Richard High School, where he contributed to the team reaching the state finals. He attended Detroit Catholic Central High School for one year and then transferred to St. Anne’s High School, where he continued to develop his hockey skills before entering the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
Path to Hockey
Watson began his hockey journey as a youth player, participating in the 2005 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the Detroit Compuware Ambassadors minor ice hockey team. He was selected by the Windsor Spitfires in the second round of the OHL draft, where he made a significant impact during his rookie season. After a successful stint with the Spitfires, including winning the J. Ross Robertson Cup and the Memorial Cup, Watson was traded to the Peterborough Petes, where he continued to excel and caught the attention of NHL scouts.
Austin Watson Career
Early Career (2011–2015)
Watson began his professional career during the 2012–13 season, playing for the Milwaukee Admirals, the AHL affiliate of the Nashville Predators. He scored 37 points in 72 games and made his NHL debut, scoring his first goal against Mikka Kiprusoff of the Calgary Flames. Watson became a regular player for the Predators during the 2015–16 season, participating in 57 games and contributing to the team’s playoff run to the Stanley Cup Finals.
Breakthrough (2016–2020)
Watson’s breakthrough came during the 2016–17 season when he played a crucial role in the Predators’ journey to the Stanley Cup Finals. He recorded 4 goals and 9 points in 22 playoff games, helping the team reach the finals for the first time in franchise history. The following seasons saw Watson facing challenges, including suspensions and injuries, but he continued to be a valuable player for the Predators, eventually earning a contract extension in 2019.
Notable Works and Milestones
Watson’s signature moments include his playoff performances and his contributions to the Predators’ historic run in 2017. He became the first American to win the OHL Playoff MVP honors while playing for the London Knights, further solidifying his reputation as a skilled player.
Austin Watson Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Austin Watson has received various nominations and recognitions for his performance on the ice, particularly during his time in junior hockey and the NHL.
Austin Watson Awards Won
Watson has achieved notable milestones, including winning the J. Ross Robertson Cup and the Memorial Cup during his junior career. His contributions to the Nashville Predators during their playoff runs have also been acknowledged by the organization and fans alike.
Austin Watson Family
Austin Watson is married to Jenn Watson, and the couple has two daughters together. Their family life has been a source of support for Watson throughout his career.
Personal Life
In mid-2023, Watson and Jenn Watson were married in Nashville. The couple has navigated challenges together, including Watson’s past legal issues, which have been publicly addressed and resolved. Their commitment to each other and their family remains strong as they continue to support one another in their personal and professional lives.
