Senators' Austin Watson To Have Hearing

Ottawa Senators forward Austin Watson is set to have a hearing with NHL Player Safety on Sunday for Interference.

Ottawa’s Austin Watson will have a hearing tomorrow for Interference on Boston’s Jack Ahcan.

— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) February 12, 2022

The play occurred in Saturday afternoon's game against the Boston Bruins. Watson threw a questionably late hit on defenseman Jack Ahcan and received a two-minute minor penalty for interference. Following the play, Ahcan did thankfully stay in the game. 

Austin Watson with a late, high hit on Jack Ahcan.

Two minutes for interference. pic.twitter.com/oqAgDnLQHH

— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) February 12, 2022

Watson has been one suspension on his resume, as he was handed a two-game suspension in 2017 for boarding. It is well-known that players with a past history tend to receive less leniency from NHL Player Safety, so it will be interesting to see what happens from here. 

Watson is known for playing a very physical game, and his 55 penalty minutes in just 31 games shows that perfectly. In fact, it's an aspect about him that makes him receive a good amount of game action as a bottom-six forward for Ottawa. However, there is an argument there that this hit was a dirty hit, as it was both late and high. But will it be deemed suspension-worthy? Let us know your thoughts and predictions in the comments.

Photo Credit: © Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports