Experience in the 'bubble' pays off for Harley, Oettinger, Robertson

Back in 2020 when the NHL was dealing with COVID restrictions and trying to find a way to hold the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the plan of a bubble was broached, and that created a need for the ability to deal with injuries and illnesses while still maintaining a regular schedule.

So, the taxi squad was created, and teams were tasked with finding the right mix of players to provide depth to their NHL rosters.
While the opportunity was there to put a few more "veteran" AHL players in the bubble, Stars GM Jim Nill decided that it would be good to get experience for younger players. So, into the bubble went 19-year-old Thomas Harley, 21-year-old Jason Robertson and 21-year-old Jake Oettinger. Robertson and Oettinger had just finished up their first full AHL season, while Harley was fresh out of junior hockey, but the NHL was a world away for all three, and the intensity of the playoffs was a completely new experience.
Fast forward 19 months later, and the decision is looking very good.
Robertson is leading the team in goals scored, Oettinger is among the hottest goalies in the NHL, and Harley is rounding into shape as a solid contributor on the blueline who will likely become an even bigger contributor with the news that Miro Heiskanen is out indefinitely with mononucleosis.
It was an odd path to get here, but one that seems to have helped everyone.
"It turned out to be a pretty big deal because they lived in the bubble for more than 60 days, and it really was a great learning experience," Nill said. "You look back now, and it was almost like going to University for them."
The finishing school was unique. The Stars took a 30-man roster into a fenced-in compound that included a couple of hotels and the arena in Edmonton. Players were together pretty much 24-7 for 66 days, and the Stars seemed to be one of the teams that really embraced the challenge. Captain Jamie Benn led the way in creating a positive atmosphere, and the group really bonded.
"He was terrific," Nill said. "They all really got together and made it a good experience, and I think that's one of the reasons we were able to play well on the ice."
Though Robertson didn't play in a game and Harley appeared in just one, they were part of practices and meetings and were able to observe everything.
"I was in the bubble, so I watched there for a couple of months," Harley said. "That was huge."
Oettinger played in two games and manned the bench as a backup for several more. That kind of front-row experience was priceless.
"I actually think it was good my first games had no fans," Oettinger said. "That just helped you ease into it a little."
Oettinger began a relationship with goalie coach Jeff Reese and veteran Ben Bishop that's become significant. The now-23-year-old also credits Braden Holtby with helping out this season but said having Reese and Bishop has been big.
"They've all been great," he said. "I'm lucky to have them to learn from."
Stars coach Rick Bowness said Oettinger has been eager to learn, and that started in the bubble.
"He's like a sponge," Bowness said. "He's just so respectful, and he really wants to learn, and that's a great combination to have."
In fact, the head coach said a good deal of the time spent in the bubble helped create a vibe in the Stars locker room that's welcoming to all. He said newcomers this season like Michael Raffl, Ryan Suter and Luke Glendening have said this is an easy team to assimilate to.
"One of the successes we had in the bubble is we developed a very family culture," Bowness said.
Now, does that make them better on the ice? Well, there's a lot that goes into the question. After all, Harley and Oettinger were first-round picks and Robertson scored 117 points in 62 games his final season in junior hockey, so the blueprint was pretty good even before they got to the bubble.
Still, getting a two-month head start never hurts.
"It was a lot of fun, but it was also a grind," Nill said. "It might be one of the hardest things any of us have ever done, so you definitely have to come together. You're going through the highs and lows, and you're away from friends and family, so it definitely was an experience. It was a pretty special experience, and I think they made the most of it."
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.
Mike Heikais a Senior Staff Writer for DallasStars.com and has covered the Stars since 1994. Follow him on Twitter @MikeHeika.