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Austin Watson Finding his Game Day by Day

February 8, 2011, 1:11 PM ET [ Comments]
Brian Huddle
CHL and NHL Prospects • RSSArchiveCONTACT
It's never easy to leave a powerhouse championship team, having built the relationships a young 16-17 year old would have built in his first two seasons of major junior hockey. Austin Watson was forced to, when the lanky right winger was dealt from Windsor, playing on a team with Cam Fowler, Taylor Hall and future Nashville prospect, Ryan Ellis, to a borderline team in the Peterborough Petes. The upside to the move was the increase in ice time, going from playing in Windsor's Bottom 6 to being a key guy with Peterborough.

In the final 10 games with Peterborough last season, Watson would go on a tear with 9 goals and 11 assists. Scouts had taken notice; Peterborough had the guy they wanted.

Self described as a two-way winger who tries to display leadership every shift, Watson still has some growing to do into his 6'3, 171 lb frame. Watson is capable of playing in all situations, and does so with a smile on his face.

"I take pride in blocking shots, and doing the little things; dumping the puck and getting the guys going. I try to be a leader all the time when I'm out there," Watson told NHL.com prior to Draft Day.

A terrific skater, Watson has relatively good hands, and is still gaining experience with them. Peterborough's coaching staff has had him working on his net presence game through practice, continually going to the net for tips and redirections, which has paid off to the tune of 22 goals so far in this 2010-2011 season.

Austin is the type of kid willing to do anything to win. He gets onto the forecheck hard, and always finishes his checks. He has a hard shot which he's still learning how to use.

While Nashville is still devoid of any real offensive powerhouse players in their lineup, Nashville will afford Watson all the time he needs in junior and the minors before they rely on his a few years from now. The good thing for Watson; his two-way game should lend to a good relationship with head coach, Barry Trotz.
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