Detroit — The Red Wings named Dan Watson head coach of the minor league affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins on Wednesday.
Watson, who has been coach of the Toledo Walleye (another Wings' minor league affiliate) the past six seasons, will be formally introduced 11 a.m. Thursday in Grand Rapids at Van Andel Arena.
Watson becomes the 12th head coach in Griffins franchise history. Watson replaces Ben Simon, who was not retained at the end of the season.
"I'm thrilled to announce Dan as the head coach of the Griffins," Shawn Horcoff, Griffins general manager/Red Wings assistant GM, said in a statement.