Watson signed a professional tryout agreement with the Red Wings on Wednesday, per his agency.
Watson will enter training camp on a tryout for a second year in a row. Last season, he turned his tryout into a one-year deal with the Lightning and proceeded to post just four points, along with 85 hits and 93 PIM, in 33 regular-season games. He'll likely have to settle for a fourth-line role if the Red Wings end up offering him a full deal.