Watson's varied skill set makes him an early candidate for one of the Predators' bottom-six players this season, Adam Vingan of The Tennesseean reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 23-year-old Watson has scored at least 20 goals in each of the last three seasons with AHL Milwaukee. He can comfortably play all three forward positions, deliver secondary scoring and play reliable defense, all of which give him a decided advantage over most other players who are more one- or two-dimensional. GM David Poile believes Watson has what it takes to crack the roster this season. "He's certainly benefited from his time in Milwaukee," Poile said of Watson. "His development, playing in lots of situations, playing offensively, defensively and playing a lot at center ice. Last year, playing a lot on the wing. Scoring 20 goals down there I think gives him some good stats coming in here that he's just not a checker, but there is some upside." Keep an eye on Watson's status this September. If he breaks camp with the team, don't be afraid to take a chance on him in the later rounds of your draft.

GM David Poile said Tuesday that he's "very confident" that Watson will make the Predators out of training camp. Watson hasn't appeared in a game for the Predators since the lockout year of 2012-13, but after back-to-back 40-plus point campaigns at AHL Milwaukee, it appears the team is preparing to clear a spot for him. The 23-year-old should benefit from the expected departures of forwards Matt Cullen and Mike Santorelli in free agency, as it's unclear if the Predators will look to replace them with veteran players. Even if Watson cracks the squad, he seems unlikely to win a top-six role off the bat, which might make it difficult him to attain much fantasy relevance.

Watson signed a two-year, two-way contract with the Predators on Monday, Adam Vingan of The Tennesseean reports. A former first-round pick by Nashville in 2010, Watson has spent the last two seasons with AHL Milwaukee. He led Milwaukee with 26 goals last season, and could have the opportunity to earn a longer look with the Predators in 2015-16.

Austin Watson has been assigned to AHL Milwaukee. Nashville also sent down Patrick Cehlin, Joonas Jarvinen, Joonas Rask, Miikka Salomaki and Colton Sissons. The team's training camp roster currently stands at 27 players.

Austin Watson suffered a leg contusion at the rookie tournament in Florida last week. He sustained the injury on a blocked shot and is considered day-to-day. Watson had 20 goals and 37 points in 72 games with AHL Milwaukee last season. He also got one goal in six outings with the Predators.

Austin Watson has been sent down to the minors. Watson has a goal in six games with Nashville this season. He also has 37 points in 72 AHL contests.

Nashville Predators recall Austin Watson from AHL Milwaukee. Watson was recalled along with Daniel Bang and Kevin Henderson on Tuesday. With Nashville out of the playoff chase, the Predators are using their final few games to evaluate some of their young talent. The trio will play tonight and Thursday before heading back to Milwaukee for the Admirals' first playoff game Friday night.

Nashville Predators reassign Austin Watson to AHL Milwaukee. Watson made his NHL debut April 7 but had yet to register a point in five games with the Predators. He'll be much better suited for the AHL at this point of his career where he can continue to develop confidence and grow. Watson, the Predators' No.1 pick in 2010, had 20 goals and 36 points in 68 AHL games season.

Austin Watson, the Predators first round pick 18th overall, in the 2010 Draft, made his NHL debut Sunday. Watson had one shot on goal in 13:47 minutes of action. "It was a good experience, wish we would have come out with the win. But for a first game, it's good to get under my belt," Watson said. "Just a little bit of nerves and trying to get on the same page as everybody who has been here throughout the year. Overall just a really good experience. Wish we would have come out with the win." Watson had 20 goals and 36 points in 68 AHL games this season. He is projected to be a strong skater with a great two-way game.

The Nashville Predators have promoted Austin Watson. Watson has 20 goals and 36 points in 68 AHL games this season. He might make his NHL debut on Sunday.