He was solid as a junior, but significantly improved upon that after a strong offseason to make him a top prospect heading into the ‘24-25 season. Thirteen of his 19 points last season came after the New Year. He was a Team Michigan kid last spring, a top performer in the Michigan Developmental Hockey League (MDHL), as well as a tournament team kid and league showcase participant for the organization this fall. Watkins can provide a calming, veteran presence playing some of his best hockey for a Brighton team that will be uncharacteristically young this winter.