The Detroit Red Wings have made a pair of roster moves, recalling forward Austin Watson and defenseman Brogan Rafferty from the Grand Rapids Griffins under emergency conditions today.
Austin Watson
At 33 years old, Watson has made a significant impact with the Griffins this season. In 56 games, he ranks among the team leaders with 16 goals, 21 assists, 37 points, and a plus-nine rating. Watson also excels on the power play with seven goals and 12 power play points. Known for his physicality, Watson leads the team with 94 penalty minutes and has contributed two shorthanded goals. His experience with the Red Wings this season includes two games, with one shot, two penalty minutes, and six hits in limited ice time (7:00 per game). Watson has a rich history, including playing in the NHL with Nashville, Ottawa, Tampa Bay, and Detroit while accumulating 118 points (60-58-118) in 517 games.
Watson’s professional career spans across both the NHL and the AHL, where he has built a reputation for toughness, logging 707 penalty minutes in the NHL and 183 penalty minutes in the AHL. He’s also played a pivotal role in postseason play, notably helping Nashville reach the 2017 Stanley Cup Final. Additionally, Watson has represented Team USA at various international tournaments, including the IIHF World Championships in 2022 and the World Junior Championship in 2012, where he earned a gold medal.
Brogan Rafferty
At 29, Rafferty has been a steady presence for the Griffins in 2024-25, recording 19 points (6-13-19) in 50 games. He had a strong 2023-24 campaign with Grand Rapids, posting 29 points (4-25-29) and contributing to the team’s playoff push, where they reached the Central Division Finals. Rafferty’s AHL career totals include 168 points (30-138-168) in 306 games, with a plus-41 rating. He has earned AHL All-Star honors in 2020 and 2023, and was named to the All-Rookie Team in 2019-20.
Before turning professional, Rafferty played three seasons at Quinnipiac University, recording 65 points in 116 games. His development continued in the AHL, where he has earned a reputation as a skilled playmaker, especially from the blue line.
Impact and Future Expectations
Both Watson and Rafferty bring valuable depth to the Red Wings, with Watson’s leadership and grit providing a physical presence and Rafferty’s offensive skills strengthening the defensive unit. Watson’s recall helps to address team needs while providing the Red Wings with further depth as they work through injuries. Meanwhile, Rafferty adds further defensive depth, and his ability to contribute offensively from the back end will be a valuable asset moving forward.
These moves indicate the Red Wings‘ commitment to maintaining a competitive roster, even with emergency conditions necessitating these recalls. Both Watson and Rafferty bring a wealth of experience and should help solidify the team’s depth as the season continues.
