Detroit City Wire

The Detroit Red Wings have announced the recall of forward Austin Watson from the Grand Rapids Griffins, their American Hockey League affiliate. In a corresponding move, goaltender Ville Husso has been assigned to the Griffins.

Watson, 32, has started the 2024-25 season with three assists and seven penalty minutes in two games for the Griffins. He signed a one-year contract with the Red Wings on October 7 after participating in training camp on a professional tryout basis. Last season, Watson played for the Tampa Bay Lightning, recording four points and 93 penalty minutes over 33 games. His NHL career includes stints with the Nashville Predators and Ottawa Senators, accumulating 118 points and 705 penalty minutes in 515 games since his debut in the 2012-13 season.

"A native of Ann Arbor, Mich., Watson is one of six Michigan-born skaters on Detroit’s active roster," highlighting his local ties along with other team members like Alex DeBrincat and Dylan Larkin.

Ville Husso, who has appeared once for Detroit this season, will join Grand Rapids. The Finnish goaltender was limited to 19 appearances last year due to injuries but managed a record of nine wins against five losses. Drafted by St. Louis Blues in 2014, Husso has played both in the NHL and AHL since arriving from Finland's SM-Liiga.