NHL Draft Prospect Preview: Austin Watson

NHL.com profile:

Nathan: I would absolutely love to have a guy like Watson come into the lineup as a right-handed shot down the left wing, but in the second round, not the first. Here's a kid with good size, can still add 20-25 pounds to his frame, isn't a project, has good mobility, can both make plays and finish, but is at least 2-3 years away from the NHL. The question really comes down to how quickly do Fletcher & Company need someone to make a big impact. I'd say pretty quickly, so Watson at #9 would draw major criticism of the scouting department and Fletcher's sense as a GM, which is why I can't see this happening, especially with Watson's injury issues this season. Take him in the second round if he's available, leave him in the OHL for another 2 years (See: Cuma, Tyler and Scandella, Marco) and bring him in to raise hell in 2012.

Buddha: It still amazes me that a guy can be a projected high first round pick, and no one knows what position he plays. Listed by the NHL as a LW, by the Hockey News as a RW, he shoots right handed, which would generally make him a left wing, but everywhere you go, he is a different position. Granted, he could play both, but damn, get on the same page, people.

As for his ability, I have no doubts that he can play the game. His skating is solid, his defensive zone play is solid, his offensive zone play is solid. 54 points in 42 games is not lighting the world on fire in the OHL, but he did suffer a broken ankle that likely slowed him a bit, he was stuck on depth lines, and he was traded during the season, which can also cause an adjustment period. The so called experts are high on this kid. He is still two years away from AHL eligibility, so if he is the pick, it is either a long term pick, or a sure bet. I'd say long term.

I wouldn't doubt the Wild give him a strong look, or consider moving down if he looks to still be available, but again, at the nine spot, I think there will be better options.