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#14. Austin Watson | RW | Peterborough (OHL)

Date of Birth: January 13th, 1992
Height: 6.03
Weight: 185lbs.
Shoots: R
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 52GP 20G 34A 54P 22PIM
Playoffs | 4GP 2G 0A 2P 2PIM
TSR Midterm Rank: 23 | Position Rank: 9th Forwards
League Rank: 6th OHL | Country Rank: 3rd USA

If you want to understand why Austin Watson will be drafted in the first round of the NHL draft, just look at his season. For most of the year, he was a point per game player with the Windsor Spitfires and Peterborough Petes of the OHL. Then in April, he filled a valuable role as a grinding, checking forward on the USA’s Gold Medal team at the U-18 Championships. Watson’s versatility and ability to contribute offensively and defensively will be coveted by teams on draft day.

Watson’s tenacity has been likened to Kris Draper. However, that comparison negates an aspect of Watson that must be mentioned: he is listed at 6’3 ¼” 185lbs. All of Watson’s strengths as a player will be enhanced just through the process of physically maturing. He is a quick skater with the ability to change directions. Watson also stays on the puck with his ability to stop and start and never quits a battle when engaged. Having said that, Watson does have a short stride as his shifts lengthen and he tires. Simply adding strength and power to his lower body will allow Watson to become even quicker. Watson seems to excel on the boards and thrives in that area of the ice. Again, as he grows, you can envision him winning more battles on the boards and in the corners. Watson goes to the net with a purpose on both sides of the puck. Offensively, he likes to screen and look for the dirty goals as well as draw defenseman to allow the puck carrier and third forward more time and space. He has a good set of hands and is able to direct pucks on net. Defensively, you can count on Watson to patrol the front of the net and provide support on loose pucks in the corner as well as block shots. He looks like the type of player who puts team success before his own. His acceptance and execution of his role on the US squad is further evidence.

Watson doesn’t have many glaring weaknesses. As stated, once he gets bigger and stronger, his physical two way play will improve. Time and conditioning will take care of that. Watson’s value as a top half first round selection hinges on his ability to take his offensive game to a higher level. He appears to be in a good situation with the Pete’s for that to happen in that he will be surrounded by talented teammates such as Ryan Spooner and Matt Puempel next year. If he can develop into a 50 – 60 point NHLer while leading the PK and providing great two way play, Watson will be well worth a top 15 pick.

Pros: Versatile, dedicated two way player, high-energy

Cons: More development of offensive skills

Skillset comparison: Ryan Kesler

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Tags: 2010 nhl prospects, Austin Watson, Scouting Report

About the Author: Rich Michalowski