5 Years and 23.35 Million Buys You This!

Kyle Palmieri's autograph and the 30 goals and 57 points he put up last season. Of all our free agents, he was the one I wanted us to sign the most and we proved we really wanted him and I'm pleased he signed today. We had a chance to qualify him and force him to stay restricted but we didn't, showing him that he can choose to stay. Then we gave him oodles of time to decide and we even offered arbitration but in the end all sides are happy and we have his services for the next 5 plus years.

10-11 The Cup Rainbow Gold Kyle Palmieri Patch Auto Rookie /51

When we traded for Kyle last season, I picked up a couple cards of his in the hopes that he would have a great season and I could land a card or two before any increase in demand occurred. While I am not sure if the demand is any greater, I am pleased to have been able to stretch my 15 dollars I had budgeted to land the Rainbow version of his The Cup rookie. One of the reasons I landed it for so cheap is the plain white swatch, but the print run more than makes up for it in this collector's eyes. If Kyle is able to duplicate his results from last season for the next few years I would say Devils fans are in for a special treat in the win column. Thanks for agreeing to a great contract Ray and Kyle and lets see what else Ray has planned for this off season.

07-08 The Cup Gold David Clarkson Auto Rookie /27 x 2!

Yes ladies and gentlemen you read that title correctly! Once upon a free agent signing I sold my 07-08 The Cup Gold Clarkson for a decent price considering it was damaged. Well since then David's career hasn't gone as planned and I have forgiven him and welcome him back and hope he can straighten out his career. In doing so, I managed to buy a PAIR of his The Cup Gold rookies for much less than I sold my damaged one for. Truth is most Leafs fans are unloading his cardboard after paying a premium (not unlike the Leafs) and it is a buyers market. Here's hoping he can restore some faith and get back to his potential!

07-08 The Cup Gold David Clarkson Auto Rookie /27

 Numbered 23/27 that makes this baby an eBay 1/1!!!!



07-08 The Cup Gold David Clarkson Auto Rookie /27

This one is numbered to my favourite number making it an equally awesome Dave 1/1.


Well Mr. Clarkson, you have your work cut out for you but I believe in you! So Merry Christmas David Clarkson and Merry Christmas to all those reading this! I sent out a few packages today and a few more will go out in the New Year. Thanks to all those who returned after my hiatus and I look forward to 2016 coming as it can't be any worse than this year.....I don't need to knock on wood here ;)

Eric Gelinas Prizm Rookie /10

Lou certainly wanted to save the best for last with his summer signing and finally Eric Gelinas resigned with the Devils for what is likely a bridging contract of 1 year at 900k. Last season Eric played very well offensively and when compared with other rookie defenseman, he was among the best. He finished tied for 3rd in points even though he appeared in the fewest games of any in the top 5. Eric also was tied for the league lead in GWG among rookie rearguards and second in power play points. 

This kid is going to be an offensive superstar and that is something the offensively challenged Devils need more of from their back end. I am hopeful that he will prove himself this season and get more minutes and hopefully and lengthy contract. His agent wanted him to hold out for more but I think Eric did the right thing putting team first and I am sure he will be rewarded after this year.

2013/14 Panini Prizm Gold Rookie /10

This amazing piece of art was numbered 1/10 and I found this one in the spring. My biggest gripe about this past year is the sheer number of Daniel Bang autos out on the market ( I count 4 different releases with his auto and he will NEVER be back in the NHL after playing 8 games) and NONE of Reid Boucher or Eric Gelinas.

If there is any hope now it will be in 2013/14 The Cup (assuming it is coming out) which if it does come out won't be until 2016 I am sure.

11-12 The Cup Brett Connolly Gold /25

Ok, I think its official! I must have more Brett Connolly cards than his own mother. I was never much of an obsessive PC collector but in the last two years I have done a pretty good job of circling the market on BC cards and Henrique (since Clarkson departed for Toronto and forgot his game in NJ). 

This recent addition is one that doesn't have any auto or game used involved with it. Instead it is a lowly gold parallel of the monster set The Cup. Despite its short comings, it is actually a really nice looking card with a shiny rainbow-gold foil that really catches your eye. The low print run does add to my personal appeal but in all I really like the design and photo on the front. 

11-12 The Cup Brett Connolly Gold /25

Brett might be wearing Silver in this photo, but I assure you its ALL Gold!

Here is the back side. I really like the back, lots of the things I do look for in a hockey card are all here. Strangely I was expecting the UD hologram on the back to be gold as well (which they use in high end stuff) but for some reason it is silver. Were they worried about clashing? Even the "core" of the card is gold/yellow instead of the usual white which seems really neat and weird all at once. But I somehow can't shake the fact I think I have seen this back before...oh wait:

I had seen something similar. 

Well there you have it, an I finished yet? Buying yes. Trading? Well if something fun comes along I will probably trade more than book value for it because I dig this guy. But in the meantime, I guess my super collection just got more super. 

11-12 Certified Evander Kane Gold Auto /25

Here is another Certified auto for my collection, this time it is a young star that goes by the name of Evander Kane. Evander had a breakout season last year scoring 30 goals for the first time and likely not the last. He was the Thrashers 4th overall pick back in '09 and at the age of 21 he already has 75 NHL goals and I think he will likely be a 35 goal guy yearly for the next decade or so. I would love to see him focus his "energy" more on the ice and if he does who knows how good this kid could be!

11-12 Certified Evander Kane Gold Auto /25

Here is the front, sticker technology as always, but a really nice auto with name and number.

Here is the back side. When it comes to autographs I typically don't go too crazy for the low number parallels because it is the signature I am after more than anything but this one popped online for a decent price and I did a best offer even lower than list and it was accepted. True I might have been able to get something from a TTM, but time hasn't been on my side and again the price was too good to pass up.