Watson will be in action versus the Rangers on Monday once he's officially recalled from AHL Grand Rapids, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reports

EDGE Analysis

Watson figures to jump into a bottom-six role while Christian Fischer (upper body) is sidelined. In two minor-league games for the Griffins this year, the veteran Watson has generated three assists, seven PIM and a plus-3 rating. Once Fischer is given the all-clear, Watson will almost certainly be returned to the minors.

Watson was placed on waivers by the Red Wings on Monday, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports.

EDGE Analysis

Watson signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Red Wings on Monday, but he'll be waived with the intention of assignment to AHL Grand Rapids if he goes unclaimed. However, the 32-year-old has made at least 33 regular-season NHL appearances in each of the last nine seasons, and he's a strong candidate to be called up if the Red Wings need additional depth at some point.

Watson signed a one-year, two-way contract with Detroit on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Watson attended Detroit's training camp on a professional tryout before earning his two-way agreement. He produced two goals, two assists, 93 PIM and 85 hits across 33 regular-season contests with Tampa Bay in 2023-24. Watson will serve as a depth forward for the Red Wings, but he might carve out a role on the fourth line as the season progresses.

Watson signed a professional tryout agreement with the Red Wings on Wednesday, per his agency.

EDGE Analysis

Watson will enter training camp on a tryout for a second year in a row. Last season, he turned his tryout into a one-year deal with the Lightning and proceeded to post just four points, along with 85 hits and 93 PIM, in 33 regular-season games. He'll likely have to settle for a fourth-line role if the Red Wings end up offering him a full deal.

Watson will be a free agent this offseason.

EDGE Analysis

Watson played in just 33 games this season, scoring two goals and adding two assists. He did put up 93 PIM and 85 hits, but mustered only 17 shots while averaging 7:16 of ice time per game. Watson didn't ink his one-year deal with the Bolts until October, and that doesn't bode well for 2024-25 given his performance. Over his career, he has played in 515 regular-season games and recorded 60 goals, 58 assists, 705 PIM and 1,209 hits.

Watson has played in just two of Tampa Bay's last 17 games.

EDGE Analysis

Watson returned from a lower-body injury Feb. 8 against the Islanders, picking up one shot and three hits in 8:29 of ice time. Since then, he has struggled to find his way into the lineup, dressing against the Panthers on Feb. 17 and versus the Flyers on March 9. With the Bolts playing to retain a wild-card spot, Watson may be hard-pressed to see the game from ice level down the stretch.

Watson (lower body) has been activated off injured reserve, per the NHL media site.

EDGE Analysis

Watson has missed the team's last four contests due to his lower-body issue but seems to be at least healthy enough to be an option versus the Islanders on Thursday. If the 32-year-old winger does suit up, it would likely be in a bottom-six role that would see Mitchell Chaffee relegated to the press box or even shipped back to the minors.

Watson (lower body) was placed on injured reserve Wednesday, per CapFriendly.

EDGE Analysis

Watson was deemed week-to-week as of Tuesday, so his placement on IR makes sense. It's unlikely he'll be back before the All-Star break. Mitchell Chaffee was called up from AHL Syracuse to take Watson's spot on the roster.

Watson (lower body) is considered week-to-week, per Gabby Shirley of Bally Sports Florida.

EDGE Analysis

As a result, Watson probably won't be available to return before the All-Star break. He has two goals, one assist, 69 PIM and 61 hits in 26 outings this season. Tampa Bay chose to dress 11 forwards and seven defensemen in Tuesday's contest against Philadelphia.

Watson has been a healthy scratch in six of the Lightning's last eight games.

EDGE Analysis

Watson has played just 17 games this season, and he has one goal to show for the season. He does have 45 hits in that span, though, and he sometimes lays out four or five, or more in the games he does play. But that's not enough to make him roster worthy.