Former Ottawa Senators player Austin Watson has been assigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL by the Detroit Red Wings, marking his return to the league after five years. Watson signed a one-year, two-way deal and previously played part-time with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Watson, drafted by the Nashville Predators in 2010, has faced personal challenges and was honored for his sobriety last year. He has played 515 NHL games, scoring 60 goals and 58 assists.