Preview/Lines #80: Robins Talks Making NHL Debut in Hometown Province, Dad’s Impact

“It’s just gonna be unforgettable moment.”

Tristen Robins also reported that “a horde” of Robins are coming to Canada Life Centre to see him make his NHL debut.

Robins, hometown Clear Lake, Manitoba, is especially looking forward to sharing the moment with his dad Trevor.

Famously, Trevor Robins tended goal for the San Jose Sharks organization in the mid-90’s, then gave his son his jacket from that time when he was drafted by the Sharks in the second round of the 2020 Draft.

Get to Know Thomas Bordeleau, Tristen Robins, Danil Gushchin

“He’s an extremely knowledgeable figure and he coached me a lot growing up. I think a lot of things that I do today, the way I carry myself, it’s to credit him. Very hard-working man, someone I really look up to,” Robins said of his father. “I’m just very, very grateful that he could come and share this moment with me tonight.”

Robins, of course, didn’t get the call-up because it’s a great story.

“I like his edge. I like his intelligence. I like his coachability. He’s a guy that’s always looking to learn. That kind of stuck out to me in training camp. And he applies it quickly,” San Jose Sharks head coach David Quinn volunteered. “He’s got skills, I’m really looking forward to watching him tonight.”

Robins has enjoyed a strong first full pro season, netting 17 goals and 21 assists through 63 games for the San Jose Barracuda. The 5-foot-11 center-winger has been especially productive lately, with eight goals and 15 assists in his last 29 appearances.

But it is a great story, Robins making his NHL debut in his hometown province.

“He might set the record for the longest smile in the history of mankind since he walked into this arena,” Quinn laughed.

As for the jacket?

“I’ve actually been asked a few times today if I brought the jacket,” Robins said. “But there’s actually really no time to whip it out yet.”

San Jose Sharks (22-41-16)

James Reimer will start in his home province.

It looks like it will a much different-looking group tonight:

Robins will play with Raska and Bordeleau, fun! I'm also told that Hertl is being moved to wing tonight, so lines are going to look radically different, so it appears

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) April 10, 2023

Marc-Edouard Vlasic's season is over, per Quinn. He did not make this road trip because of a lower-body injury suffered in the last game

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) April 10, 2023

Barabanov, Johnsson & Lindblom also didn't travel, so their seasons are over

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) April 10, 2023

Winnipeg Jets (44-32-3)

It appears that Connor Hellebuyck will start.

Both took the optional but Bowness suggests there is a question mark for tonight. Won’t suggest who. For what it’s worth, Axel Jonson-Fjallby was in a regular navy jersey for the skate taking Ehlers’ spot. Karson Kuhlman was in the lighter blue scratch jersey. #NHLJets https://t.co/L436t9rJ7X

— Scott Billeck (@ScottBilleck) April 10, 2023

Where to Watch

The San Jose Sharks will take on the Winnipeg Jets at 4 PM PST at Canada Life Centre. Watch it live on NBC Sports California. Listen to it on the Sharks Audio Network.