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Ottawa Senators: Grading Pierre Dorion’s 2020 Off-Season Moves

By Jack Baines

DALLAS, TX - JUNE 22: Genral Manager of the Ottawa Senators Pierre Dorion speaks with a runner prior to the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 22, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - JUNE 22: Genral Manager of the Ottawa Senators Pierre Dorion speaks with a runner prior to the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 22, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Ottawa Senators left wing Austin Watson (16) Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Ottawa Senators left wing Austin Watson (16) Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports /

Austin Watson acquired from Nashville for 2021 4th Round Pick (COL)

Why it made sense at the time: Ottawa was really bad in 2019-20 and needed to add some depth. Watson had signed a 3-year extension early last season with Nashville but put up an abysmal season in 2019-20, highlighted by a mind-bogglingly low 35.71 xGF% in all situations. He also struggled on the penalty kill, where he had been solid before, and saw his minutes drop as a result. With their compliment of young skill players ready to break into the league, bringing in some cheap toughness in the form of Watson may not have been the worst idea though.

How it looks so far: Is Austin Watson… good? No, he’s not, but he has been a pleasant surprise. His 5-on-5 xGF% is up to 47.35 from the 38.05 he posted last year, and he is looking very respectful as a 4th liner. His goals scored per 60 has bounced back nicely without too much of a spike in shooting percentage. As far as the enforcer role he was brought into, he hasn’t been afraid to stick up for his teammates, picking up 4 fighting majors already this year. Most remarkably for his playing style though, he has a positive penalty differential, drawing 5 and taking 4.

Grade: C+, as much as he’s been a pleasant surprise, a player like Watson can only move the needle so much. While he comes cheap with a $1.5 million cap hit, he has two years left on his deal after this season, that’s the type of player you hope to get something for taking their contract.

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