It’s a big game of musical chairs…on ice.
AHL promotions and demotions happen all year long.
The Detroit Red Wings are demoting Austin Watson, a bruising forward. This demotion is good for two different reasons.
Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features.
Does Austin Watson Have a Future with the Red Wings?
In <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/game-day/rapid-reaction-red-wings-defend-their-way-past-bruins-for-21-win">Saturday's win over the Boston Bruins</a>, Detroit Red Wings forward Austin Watson had five times as many minutes in penalties (15) as he did on the ice (3:06), but the six-foot-four, 238-pound winger made his presence felt in the form of an early fight that helped energize the Red Wings in the opening minutes.
For starters, it means that Elmer Soderblom is all but confirmed to play Friday against the Carolina Hurricanes. Secondly, it means that Watson can play somewhere where he will actually play.
It’s not that the Red Wings haven’t gotten what they need from him. Unfortunately, head coach Todd McLellan doesn’t seem keen on utilizing him all that much. But, at this point in the season, every win is crucial, and McLellan needs to ice the best team every single night.
Trending Red Wings Stories
Red Wings Vladimir Tarasenko's Surprisingly Disappointing Year
“No one told you life was going to be this way.”
Every Expiring Detroit Red Wings Contract
Who Is The Red Wings Goalie Of The Future?
Red Wings April 2025 Schedule: Can They Make The Playoffs?
Red Wings Trade For Mrazek Doesn't Add Up Now
Report: Red Wings Second Round Goaltender Trey Augustine to Return to Michigan State
2023 Detroit Red Wings second rounder Trey Augustine's sophomore season at Michigan State didn't end the way he wanted it to. Augustine and the Spartans entered the NCAA Tournament as a one seed, having already won the Big Ten regular season and tournament titles. However, MSU suffered a first round upset exit at the hands of the Cornell, with Big Red forward Sullivan Mack beating Augustine for the game-winning goal with just 10 seconds left, shocking the Spartans 4–3. Now, per multiple reports, Augustine has decided he has unfinished business in East Lansing and will return for his junior year, contrary to expectation.
In eight games, he only averaged 6:10 of time on ice per game. Here are the ice times for all eight games he’s played with the Red Wings this season: 4:54, 9:06, 8:53, 6:07, 9:34, 3:34, 3:06, and 4:03.
Yeah, I’d say it’s a good thing he was sent down.
Watson has had a solid AHL season in 2024-25. He has 16 goals and 37 points in 56 games. Although he was never truly given a chance at the NHL level, he still managed to score two goals.
Additionally, he’s been able to bring more physicality to the Grand Rapids Griffins than the Red Wings. Watson has partaken in 11 fights this season, 10 of which have been in the AHL.
Soderblom brings more skill to the Red Wings and will give the squad a big boost to continue pursuing an Eastern Conference Wild Card position.
Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites.