Watson (suspension) has served his 18-game ban and is eligible to suit up versus the Coyotes on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Where Watson fits into the lineup out the gate is unclear, but given the struggles of Kevin Fiala to start the season, the 26-year-old Watson could be in line for a top-six role. Last year, the winger came just one point shy of the 20-point mark while setting career highs in goals (14), points (19) and shots (96).

Watson had his suspension reduced to 18 games Thursday, Thomas Willis of the Predators' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Watson was originally suspended for 27 games after being arrested for domestic assault, back in June. A neutral arbitrator decided to slash nine games off the original punishment, allowing Watson to return as early as Nov. 15 (a road contest versus Arizona). In July, the Predators forward pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor domestic assault charge.

Watson (suspension) had his appeal hearing Wednesday and will await the ruling of a neutral arbitrator regarding his 27-game ban, Pierre LeBrun of TSN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Watson is hoping to shorten the length of his ban which is the result of a misdemeanor domestic assault charge to which he pleaded no contest. Even if the suspension is cut by a couple games, the winger won't be in action for Opening Night against the Rangers on Oct. 4.

Watson's appeal hearing date with a neutral arbitrator is set for next Wednesday, Pierre LeBrun of TSN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Watson has decided to appeal the NHL's decision to suspend him without pay for 27 games related to domestic abuse allegations. According to the collective bargaining agreement, the impartial arbitrator will hear the case and make a decision within 30 days of the hearing.

The NHL has suspended Watson for 27 games for unacceptable off-ice conduct, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Watson reportedly got into a physical altercation with his domestic partner, which has been investigated by the league and also included an in-person hearing. He will not be eligible to rejoin the Predators until Dec. 3 against the Sabres as a result.

The NHL's investigation into a legal matter directly involving Watson is complete, according to deputy commissioner Bill Daly, Emily Kaplan of ESPN reports, adding that the league will decide on disciplinary actions for the forward ahead of Predators training camp.

EDGE Analysis

Watson pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor domestic assault charge in late July. A witness reportedly saw the Predators winger "swat" his girlfriend outside of a gas station, and the victim had expressed concern that the incident would damage Watson's career in the NHL. Watson was freed on a $4,500 bond June 20.

Watson submitted a plea of no contest for a misdemeanor domestic assault charge, Natalie Alund of USA Today reports.

EDGE Analysis

Its unclear what, if any, position the league will take in terms of a suspension for Watson. The announcement of a ban would likely come prior to the start of the season Oct. 4 if the league decides to act.

Watson was arrested for domestic assault Saturday evening, and the Predators forward has a corresponding court date set for June 28, the Tennessean reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Predators released the following statement Wednesday: "We are aware of the incident involving Austin Watson on Saturday night. We are still gathering facts and it is not appropriate for us to comment further at this time, but this is a matter that we are taking very seriously and will cooperate fully with the investigation by law enforcement. The Nashville Predators have and will continue to stand side by side with AMEND (sic) in the fight to end violence against women."

Watson registered a career-high 17 points in 77 regular-season games in 2017-18, along with eight points in 13 games during the playoffs.

EDGE Analysis

Watson really stepped up his game this season, and despite playing mostly in a bottom-six role, was a team leader in several peripheral stat categories including hits (187), PIM (123) and blocked shots (78, best among Nashville forwards). Watson even spent some time on the top line during the playoffs alongside Filip Forsberg and Ryan Johansen, which is a testament to the confidence the Preds' coaching staff has in him. Look for Watson to take a further step forward next season.

Watson lifted the puck past Connor Hellebuyck in Tuesday's Game 3 loss to the Jets.

EDGE Analysis

Don't look now, but Watson and Predators alternate captain Filip Forsberg are knotted up at five goals apiece in these playoffs. The Michigan native is sniping with pinpoint accuracy, as evidenced by a remarkable 22.7 shooting percentage, and more good news for his fantasy owners is that an undisclosed issue that caused Watson to leave Game 1 of the current series doesn't appear to be lingering.