Robins thrives against former team
Tristen Robins has nothing bad to say about the Regina Pats, but his actions speak louder than words.
The Saskatoon Blades sniper was named the first star on Saturday after finishing with one goal and two assists in a 5-4 overtime win over his former team.
Robins has three goals and seven points in five games this season versus the Pats, who traded him to Saskatoon a little over two years ago.
“I didn’t make the deal or ask out of here or anything,” said the 18-year-old Brandon product. “At the time it was looked at as what was best for both organizations. I wasn’t upset (with them). It’s just hockey. Coming back here, I just play better with that little bit of (extra) incentive.”
Robins was among several prospects traded by the Pats when they loaded up for the 2018 Memorial Cup in Regina.
One of their key pickups was star defenceman Libor Hajek, who has played 28 games this season with the NHL’S New York Rangers. His acquisition from Saskatoon wasn’t cheap, costing the Pats one promising youngster (Robins), a veteran offensive defenceman (Dawson Davidson), and a first-round lottery pick in the 2019 bantam draft.
Robins’ inclusion in the blockbuster deal flew under the radar at first glance, but that’s not the case now that he’s lighting it up for the division-rival Blades.
In hindsight, his loss might be the Pats’ biggest regret.
“It’s a nice thing to hear,” Robins said. “But they were loading up that year and (Hajek) was a very good player. At that time, it was a good deal and it was best for the team trying to win the Memorial Cup.”
The Pats had high hopes for Robins when they selected him in the fourth round of the 2016 bantam draft, believing the diminutive forward had the ability to grow into a dynamic offensive player.
That’s exactly what happened. Robins is the Blades’ top scorer with 32 goals and 71 points in 61 games — a massive jump after finishing last season with nine goals and 25 points in 68 games as a rookie.
“He played on our third and fourth line and you could kind of see his skill set and his God-given ability,” said Blades head coach Mitch Love. “(Trading a player like him) is the price of doing business when you’re hosting (the Memorial Cup). You have to give up some young players to add veteran players to your group.”
It worked out nicely for Saskatoon.
“He has been great for us,” Love said. “He has been a pleasure to work with. He’s very motivated. He came into the season in great shape.
“He’s a guy who plays anywhere between 20 and 25 minutes a night for us. It’s a credit to him and the work he has put in and the devotion he has to want to be a pro and be an NHL draft pick.”
The Pats would have loved to see him accomplish those goals while wearing their colours, but that ship has sailed.
“You (have to) move on,” said head coach Dave Struch. “He’s a part of that organization now. He’s a good kid, a good player. You wish him all the success in the world.”
Except against the Pats, which is proving to be easier said than done.
“That becomes the sacrifice with where we went — hosting the Memorial Cup,” Struch added.
“The players that we got were really good for us at the time. He’s a good player for them (now). He’s going to be even better as he gets older.”