Nashville Predators: Austin Watson reinstated by the NHL
By Tyler Samson
The Nashville Predators have announced that forward Austin Watson has been reinstated (March 18) and will join the team effective immediately.
After being suspended by the NHL on January 29th to join the league’s substance abuse and behavioral health program, Nashville Predators forward Austin Watson has officially been reinstated and will join their active roster immediately. It was reported that Watson successfully completed the program and is ready to move forward with his career and life.
The Predators are lucky he is returning back to action, as he provides size and depth in the bottom six forward depth chart. The 27-year-old forward is coming off of a career season with 19 points and 123 penalty minutes in the 2017-18 season.
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Before going to rehab, Watson played 34 games, scored seven goals, tallied six assists and registered 39 penalty minutes. Now that he is hopefully rehabilitated, he should be an every game starter for the Predators and continue to increase his numbers.
The 6’4”and 204 pounder is one of the biggest Predators and will prove to be a valuable asset going into the playoffs. Watson does not shy away from delivering big hits, dropping the gloves and getting into the dirty areas.
By doing the little things and protecting his peers, he is undoubtedly a consummate teammate. It is likely that Watson will be paired on the fourth line with Brian Boyle and Kyle Turris in his return back to the lineup.
The former 18th overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft has scored 30 goals and trickled on 30 assists in 250 NHL games. Watson is built for today’s NHL and will prove to be a key member for the Predators in the coming years.
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Kicking an addiction and reshaping behavior is no easy thing. Hopefully, Watson has shaken away his demons. The fans of Smashville have to be excited to get one of their more beloved players back in a crucial time in the season.