Tristen Robins was part of the stellar rookie class for last year’s San Jose Barracuda, one of four rookies that finished top five in team scoring. His sophomore season was a little late in starting, thanks to an early season injury that prevented him from making his debut until December 22nd, but he’s back and ready to prove himself in a tough Pacific Division.
Who Is Tristen Robins?
Robins was part of that sneakily good 2020 draft for the San Jose Sharks, where they picked up Thomas Bordeleau, Danil Gushchin and Robins himself, all in the second and third rounds, as well as exciting prospects like Ozzy Wiseblatt and Brandon Coe. He was drafted 59th overall, and had 38 points in 64 games for his rookie season with the Barracuda last year.
I would describe myself as a high energy player with a lot of passion. I’m definitely a shoot first type of player, more offensive for sure. But I like to be reliable in both zones. And I love playing all positions.
Robins on what kind of player he is
Robins is made from the same mold as players like Gushchin, in that he only has one setting, and it’s full blast, making them a fun duo to watch night in, night out. He’s had a slow start to the season, with only 7 points in 24 games after his return from injury, but as he gets up to speed, you can see flashes of the player that made his NHL debut last season.
Rule, Britannia!
Robins has a somewhat unique origin, as he was born in London, England. His father, Trevor, spent several years playing for the Nottingham Panthers and the London Knights of the BISL, what is now the EIHL (Elite Ice Hockey League). Robins lived there until he was six, when the family relocated back to Canada, and he still holds dual citizenship. Though listed as Canadian on Elite Prospects, he has yet to suit up for Team Canada in any level of competition. Is there a chance we could see Robins declare for Team GB, who have made great strides in the last five years towards being able to hang with the top hockey nations in the IIHF?
Growing up I obviously always wanted to play for Team Canada, but it’s definitely something I’ve thought about. I’d have to look into renewing my passport, but I think it’d be pretty cool.
Robins on playing for Team GB
From The Dub To The Pros
Hockey players typically have to choose their life paths early. Robins knew he wanted to be a hockey player at the age of 12 or 13, when he realised he had to make a choice between hockey and summer sports. Growing up in Saskatchewan, it was an easy choice: SK produces more hockey players per capita than any other Canadian province.
From there, playing for the Saskatoon Blades was another easy choice. Moving hundreds of miles away at the age of 15 or 16 isn’t for everyone, and though Robins looked at other major junior leagues and the NCAA, the Blades were close to home and eventually the best choice for him. He ended up playing there for parts of five seasons, wore an A for them, and finished his WHL career with 200 points in 212 games.
From there, he graduated to the AHL at the beginning of last season (NB: Robins did play 2 AHL games in 2020-21, before returning to the Blades for the entirety of the 21-22 season). The WHL is an excellent league at preparing players for the AHL, but what was Robins’ adjustment period like?
The biggest adjustment [..] would be the time and space. Time and space is very limited when you jump up to pro compared to the WHL. One of the biggest differences too is you go from playing boys to playing men. So the size differences, the physicality and the maturity of the players is definitely different for sure.
Robins on going from the WHL to the AHL
Jumping In The Deep End
Robins made his season debut on December 22nd, after suffering an injury in a Barracuda preseason game. Almost every other player in the league had two and a half months to get back up to speed, but Robins is still playing catch-up. After 5 points in his first 20 games, Robins has 2 assists in his last four games, definitely a good sign. How do you prepare for jumping into the middle of a season after missing 20+ games?
I think being being off for that amount of time definitely makes it hard to keep your pace, to keep yourself in game shape, to stay sharp mentally. So it does take a few games. There’s an adjustment period to coming back. But I think where I’m at now I’m feeling good and healthy and comfortable. So I’m just kind of excited to keep this ball rolling.
Robins on missing the start of the season
What’s Next?
Robins made his NHL debut last season, played three games and didn’t record a point. He averaged 13.42 of ice time, which is not nothing. But Robins knows he can do better.
My goal is to be an NHL hockey player. To be a longtime NHL hockey player, no matter what role. Just [gotta keep] rounding out my game and trying to take that step to the next level.
Robins on his goals for the future.
The San Jose Sharks have a lot of exciting prospects playing for the Barracuda this season, and more waiting in the wings. Tristen Robins is definitely one of those players; though he’s in a sophomore slump (something so common it has an official name!), his ceiling is sky-high, and he’s going to be impressing Barracuda and Sharks fans for many years to come.
Photo credit: Maddie Dutra
