The 28-year-old forward, who has all three seasons remaining on a $4.5 million contract (average annual $1.5 million) he signed with Nashville on Oct. 31, scored 14 points (six goals, eight assists) in 53 games last season. He had no points in a four-game loss to the Arizona Coyotes in the Stanley Cup Qualifiers.
"Austin Watson is a big, strong winger who will bring a significant presence to our forward group," Senators general manager Pierre Dorion said. "He was among Nashville's forward leaders in blocked shots last season (48, third), was the team's leader in hits (131) and is someone who is especially physical on the forecheck. We also expect him to be a valuable asset on our penalty kill."
Selected by Nashville with the No. 18 pick in the 2010 NHL Draft, Watson has scored 77 points (36 goals, 41 assists) in 306 regular-season games and has scored 19 points (10 goals, nine assists) in 45 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
