GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Detroit Red Wings on Thursday recalled forward Austin Watson from the Grand Rapids Griffins under emergency conditions. 

Watson, a 14-year veteran, has 20 points (11-9—20), 137 penalty minutes and a plus-two rating in 48 games with Grand Rapids this season. Last campaign, the Ann Arbor, Michigan, native competed in his first AHL All-Star Classic and totaled 42 points (19-23—42), 112 penalty minutes and a plus-10 rating in 60 regular-season games with the Griffins. Watson also collected three goals in 13 appearances with the Red Wings in 2024-25. Throughout parts of 11 NHL seasons since 2012-13, the 34-year-old has 121 points (63-58—121) and 722 penalty minutes in 528 games. In the AHL since the spring of 2011, Watson has 194 points (103-91—194), 338 penalty minutes and a plus-22 rating in 342 contests. Watson was the 18th overall pick by the Nashville Predators in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. 

Fans can secure their full-season, select-season or group ticket packages by calling (616) 774-4585 ext. 2 or visit griffinshockey.com for more information. Single-game tickets for the Griffins’ 2025-26 season can be purchased through griffinshockey.com/tickets.

Photo by Nicolas Carrillo/Griffins