Predators ship Watson to Senators

The Ottawa Senators acquired winger Austin Watson from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a 2021 fourth-round pick, the team announced Saturday.

Watson, 28, has three years left on his contract and carries a $1.5-million annual cap hit. At 6-foot-4, 204 pounds, Watson is a physical presence, collecting 646 hits and 358 penalty minutes in 306 games to date. His career high in points is just 19, though.

The Senators have apparently prioritized truculence this offseason, as general manager Pierre Dorion already traded for imposing defensemen Erik Gudbranson and Josh Brown.

Nashville drafted Watson 18th overall in 2010.