Watson signed a one-year, two-way contract with Detroit on Monday.
Watson attended Detroit's training camp on a professional tryout before earning his two-way agreement. He produced two goals, two assists, 93 PIM and 85 hits across 33 regular-season contests with Tampa Bay in 2023-24. Watson will serve as a depth forward for the Red Wings, but he might carve out a role on the fourth line as the season progresses.