The 2019-20 Playoff Bubble Exit
English-born Canadian centre for Rytíři Kladno, former San Jose Sharks draft pick.
Tristen Robins is an English-born Canadian professional ice hockey centre for Rytíři Kladno of the Czech Extraliga. He was selected 56th overall in the 2020 NHL entry draft by the San Jose Sharks and made his NHL debut in 2023.
- Head Coach
- Bob Boughner (interim)
Lore & Background
Robins was born in London, England, while his father Trevor was playing minor league pro hockey for the London Knights (UK). The family moved to Brandon, Manitoba following his father's retirement while Tristen was still an infant.
In Their Own Story
The ice sheet at Rogers Place shimmered under the harsh arena lights, devoid of the usual roar from the stands. A Sharks forward dropped to one knee in overtime, breathing heavily as the final buzzer sounded on a season defined by isolation. In the silence of the bubble, the weight of the franchise's legacy felt heavier than ever. The players skated toward the locker room, their sticks dragging slightly against the ice, knowing this neutral ground offered no comfort, only the cold reality of elimination.
Reader's Guide
Robins played junior hockey for the Regina Pats and Saskatoon Blades of the WHL. He was drafted by the Sharks in 2020 and signed an entry-level contract in 2021. He played mostly for the AHL's San Jose Barracuda, making his NHL debut in 2023. He was traded to the Ottawa Senators in 2025 but never played for them, instead playing for their AHL affiliate. In September 2025, he signed with Rytíři Kladno of the Czech Extraliga.
Did You Know?
- Robins was selected 56th overall in the 2020 NHL entry draft by the San Jose Sharks.
- He made his NHL debut on April 10, 2023, against the Winnipeg Jets.
- Robins was traded to the Ottawa Senators in March 2025 but never played an NHL game for them.
- He signed with Rytíři Kladno of the Czech Extraliga in September 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the 2019-20 Playoff Bubble Exit for the Sharks?
This term refers to the San Jose Sharks' first-round elimination in the pandemic-altered NHL postseason held at a neutral site in Edmonton. The team lost their series against the Vegas Golden Knights in five games, marking the end of their campaign under head coach Peter DeBoer.
Who did the Sharks face during this bubble tournament?
The Sharks competed against their Pacific Division rivals, the Vegas Golden Knights, who swept the series to advance. This matchup took place entirely within the controlled environment of Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta.
How many games did it take for the Sharks to be eliminated?
San Jose was defeated in five games, with the final scoreline standing at 4-1 in favor of Vegas. The loss concluded their playoff run and officially ended Peter DeBoer's tenure as head coach.
Why is this era considered a pivotal transition for the franchise?
This season marked the conclusion of an era defined by long-time captain Joe Thornton, who had just departed from the organization. Combined with the coaching change following the bubble exit, it signaled a major shift in the team's leadership and direction.
Where did these playoff games take place instead of San Jose?
Due to global pandemic restrictions, all postseason play was moved to a neutral-site tournament at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta. The Sharks played their entire series away from home ice without any fans present in the arena.
More in Club History & Eras
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