13-14 Dominion Gold Alex Galchenyuk Auto Rookie /25

Before the passing of Mr. Hockey, it was my intention to share this card next but alas losing a legend takes priority over brags and shares.

This particular card was picked up last year before the season started in the hopes that Alex Galchenyuk would have a break out season and I could either enjoy the break out or eventually use the card as trade bait. Well Alex held up his end of the bargain but potting 30 goals and hit a career high of 56 points. There were times where he just seemed unstoppable but there were a few stretches where he did have some cold spells. I am a firm believer that this is just the beginning of things to come for this kid and in a few seasons I believe he will be a consistent 80+ point guy and the people in the "La Belle Province" will be sporting his number 27 on their hockey sweaters.

13-14 Dominion Gold Alex Galchenyuk Auto Rookie /25

Not exactly a "patch" which is my lone disappointment with this card but otherwise it has everything on it that makes it a winner and I am pleased to have it in my collection. Is it available for trade? Perhaps, but in the words of many NHL GM's "I am not actively shopping it around". Like the growth Alex has shown this past season I am still hopeful that Nail Yakupov can do the same stuff his former teammate and friend has done.

2013-14 Dominion Tyler Johnson Auto Rookie /299

Every year there are always the rookies you expect to do well and they are usually the top picks from the last 2-3 drafts. Last year was no different. Nathan MacKinnon, Seth Jones, Sean Monahan etc were all expected to battle it out for the Calder Trophy as league's top rookie. All three had fantastic years and sometimes a dark horse emerges from the pack of other rookies to challenge to future stars and such was the case with Tyler Johnson. 

Tyler was a 24 year old undrafted player who had two good years in the AHL before earning a spot on the opening day roster. His season was fantastic and he finished the year with 24 goals and 50 points. His goals total was tied for the most in the league by a rookie and his point total was good enough for 3rd in the NHL among rookies. Will he be the next Marty St. Louis, hard to say but I do know he is off to a pretty good start. 

2013-14 Dominion Tyler Johnson Auto Rookie /299

Dominion cards are always awesome on the secondary market costing much much less than Upper Deck cards of the same caliber and MSRP. I picked this one up in the spring for very little and it will be exciting to watch him grow and develop with a pretty awesome Tampa team.

Trade with Brett from My Hockey Card Obsession

Sometimes to make progress forwards, you need to take a step back. A while ago, Brett from My Hockey Card Obsession showed off some pretty good trade bait and I was hooked like a fish! While I didn't have any cool Lindens to offer, I knew I had some HOF autos I could give up. Given his prolific rate of accumulating HOF autos the task was a little harder than first thought but I had an ace in the hole and it was enough to make a deal. While I gave up my  only Steve Yzerman auto, I did land another HOF auto and some other cool stuff. My plan for Mr. Yzerman is to try and land a less valuable ITG auto and one hopefully with a game used piece with it to make my HOF trifecta. In the meantime, here is what Steve brought home for me!

   

06-07 Parkhurst Marcel Pronovost Auto

 A hall of fame auto is exactly what I was hoping for and this one is of stay at home defenseman Marcel Pronovost. Not a household name in my house but he does have a pretty rich hockey history and players like him were the backbones of a few Stanley Cups. Marcel won 5 during his 20 year career.

11/12 ITG Ultimate Memorabilia 11th Edition 600th Goal Gartner/Terreri

 These NEVER scan well and I am too lazy to use my camera. This is a gem in person and I now have a Gartner Auto, Rookie and Stick which is pretty great in my books. I also have my first game used Chris Terreri which is equally cool to me and I am guessing there won't be many more featuring old Chris so I was glad to get this one. My only gripe is I was secretly wishing it was the Jersey and Stick from the 600th goal....but I suspect that stick is safe somewhere else.

13/14 Dominion Patch/Auto Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

After landing his auto via TTM, I was still wanting an authentic Nuge auto and one with his current number 93. So this was the card that got me fired up to make a trade and is the centerpiece of the transaction. While I have had custom cards made by Brett before, this is actually our first of what I am hoping will be many trades. Thanks for everything Brett and take care until the next one!