Date sent: October 20th, 2011
Date received: November 1st, 2011
Total time: 12 days
Total players responses: 348
Total 2011 responses: 343
I've really been getting a lot of these younger players from my Heros and Prospects set, which is nice to see that they're able to keep up with the demand of autograph seekers. I'm sure there comes a time where it just becomes too much to handle (ie. NHL). Regardless, Taylor Beck is a 3rd round draft pick, with a lot of potential, and according to a particular website, he's currently the Predator's 2nd top prospect!
Date sent: October 3rd, 2011
Date received: October 26th, 2011
Total time: 23 days
Total players responses: 347
Total 2011 responses: 342
A clear autograph from Nashville Predator's prospect Austin Watson. I'm really glad to see this card displayed his autograph nicely. Austin is an 18th overall draft pick for the Preds, but currently playing for the Petes of Peterborough. He played for his junior team last year as well, where he posted a 1.00 point per game average which included 34 goals and 34 assists in 68 games.
Date sent: September 26th, 2011
Date received: October 26th, 2011
Total time: 30 days
Total players responses: 346
Total 2011 responses: 341
An undrafted prospect, Jussi Rynnas is currently playing under the Toronto Maple Leafs organization. Although he's playing for the Marlies at the moment, he does have a nice upside for being an undrafted selection. A nice autograph, obviously signed in a thin black sharpie.
Date sent: September 9th, 2011
Date received: October 27th, 2011
Total time: 48 days
Total players responses: 345
Total 2011 responses: 340
Martin Frk of the Halifax Mooseheads, where he was drafted by the said team, #3 overall in the CHL import draft. Martin has some notable career highlights, which include being the most penalized player in 2009 and 2010 in the Czech U20 and WJC. I'd be weary of letting this guy get so many penalties if he was on my team if I were a GM!
Date sent: October 3rd, 2011
Date received: October 21th, 2011
Total time: 18 days
Total players responses: 344
Total 2011 responses: 339
Son of Hall of Famer, Ray Bourque, Ryan is following in his hockey footsteps. Although not a defenseman, he is a forward with potential. He was drafted by the New York Rangers in the 3rd round. I guess technically, since Ray played for the Bruins at the time of Ryan's birth, Ryan is an American citizen. Guess we'll never see him in a Team Canada uniform!
Date sent: September 27th, 2011
Date received: October 21th, 2011
Total time: 24 days
Total players responses: 343
Total 2011 responses: 338
Emerson Etem is a first round draft pick for the Anaheim Ducks. He was drafted 29th overall and currently plays for the Medicine Hat Tigers. Being born in California, to be drafted by your State's team (well, one of three I guess), must have been an exciting time for him. Good luck Emerson!
Date sent: September 26th, 2011
Date received: October 21th, 2011
Total time: 25 days
Total players responses: 342
Total 2011 responses: 337
An international prospect who was drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2011 draft, is refining his game in the juniors. Still 18 years old, Victor has a lot of promise and skill. I've been getting a lot of Heros and Prospect returns, and I fully recommend it to those of you who want to get the next up and coming stars of the game!
Date sent: March 10th, 2011
Date received: October 20th, 2011
Total time: 224 days
Total players responses: 341
Total 2011 responses: 336
Another good return from Chicago Blackhawker Patrick Sharp. Playing on the second line with Kane, he's been a very productive scorer. Slowly increasing his point production every year he's been in Chicago, he'll have another good year as long as he isn't injured. He recently signed a long term deal with the Hawks, although I don't ever see this guy being less than a 70 point player again.
Date sent: December 23rd, 2010
Date received: October 19th, 2011
Total time: 300 days
Total players responses: 340
Total 2011 responses: 335
ZOMG! I didn't think I was getting a return from Brent Seabrook, as I've seen returns on message boards/forums with shorter returns. Regardless, I was happy to get a return from him as he's an all-star defenseman, born in BC! Although super slim, I'd love to see him a Canucks uniform, as I like it when players end up playing for the cities that they were born closest to. He'd definitely be a hometown hero.
Date sent: August 4th, 2011
Date received: October 18th, 2011
Total time: 75 days
Total players responses: 339
Total 2011 responses: 334
Another sweet active NHL'er return from Claude Giroux. He's putting up some really good numbers this season, I'd say he'll probably put up career stats! At the time of me writing this post, he's projected to hit about 100 points this season. With the departure of Richards and Carter, he'll be relied to provide more scoring than normal.
Date sent: January 17th, 2011
Date received: October 18th, 2011
Total time: 274 days
Total players responses: 338
Total 2011 responses: 333
A lengthy return from Guy Carbonneau, clocked in at 274 days. A former player and coach of the Montreal Canadiens, he is currently the president of the Chicoutimi Saguenéens of the QMJHL. I'm actually pretty happy about this return, as I'm always excited to see longer returns come back my way (who doesn't?!). Thanks Guy!
Date sent: September 26th, 2011
Date received: October 14th, 2011
Total time: 18 days
Total players responses: 337
Total 2011 responses: 332
Standing at 6'4 and 193lbs, Alex Petrovic is a big guy, but could definitely add some muscle to his tall frame as a big part of his game is the physicality portion. He is born in Edmonton, Alberta, but was drafted by the Florida Panthers in 2010. It'll definitely be a change of scenery going from -40 degree weather to hot, sunny days. He currently is with the Red Deer Rebels, and returned this card quite quick! Thanks Alex and good luck in your NHL career.
Date sent: January 19th, 2011
Date received: October 12th, 2011
Total time: 266 days
Total players responses: 336
Total 2011 responses: 331
A professional ice hockey player for the Detroit Red Wings, Daniel Cleary is a former 1st round, 13th overall draft pick, selected by the Chicago Blackhawks. As with many players who have had lengthy contracts with Detroit, Dan has won a Stanley Cup with the Wings in 2008. He, as well as the rest of the Wings are hoping that they'll be able to return to form this season.
Date sent: June 22nd, 2011
Date received: October 12th, 2011
Total time: 112 days
Total players responses: 335
Total 2011 responses: 330
A good return from JP Anderson. An undrafted goaltender who was picked up by the San Jose Sharks, JP participated this year in the Young Stars tournament. I'm hoping that he'll get a look real soon, as he's drastically improved his record in the 09/10 season, winning 23 games. Good luck this year with the Majors JP!
Date sent: June 22nd, 2011
Date received: October 12th, 2011
Total time: 112 days
Total players responses: 334
Total 2011 responses: 329
Valtteri Filppula is a member of the Detroit Red Wings. He's averaged about 40 points a season and has been a pretty durable player. At age 27, he's won a Stanley Cup with the Wings, which is to no surprise as the Wings have been able to consistently get to the post season. Good luck this season Val!
Date sent: September 26th, 2011
Date received: October 14th, 2011
Total time: 18 days
Total players responses: 333
Total 2011 responses: 328
Hurrah! Matt Puempel is a former CHL Rookie of the Year winner. He led all OHL rookies in 2009/2010 and was second in on his teams' scoring. He is a very promising player, being drafted 24th overall in 2011 by the Ottawa Senators. I give him a few years to develop in the minors before he'll be able to crack the lineup.
Date sent: February 1st, 2011
Date received: October 13th, 2011
Total time: 254 days
Total players responses: 332
Total 2011 responses: 327
Holy cow, what a nice return. Nick Backstrom is really lighting it up for the Washington Capitals this season. I believe I sent it through the team last season, and am happy to see a return from him! He'll need to be a lot better if the Capitals have a chance at the cup. Good luck this season Nicklas!
Date sent: September 9th, 2011
Date received: October 13th, 2011
Total time: 34 days
Total players responses: 331
Total 2011 responses: 326
Jack Campbell is THE best prospect for the Dallas Stars, as he has so much credentials. Super athletic with quick reflexes, Jack has helped Team USA win 3 gold medals between 2009 and 2010. He has the potential to become a first string goaltender. Good luck in making the Stars next year Jack!
Date sent: September 26th, 2011
Date received: October 11th, 2011
Total time: 15 days
Total players responses: 330
Total 2011 responses: 325
Huzzah! Another H&P auto, this time by Ryan Spooner. Ryan is currently on the Peterborough Petes, a player drafted by the Boston Bruins. He's a quick, skilled forward, one whom is considered a talented prospect. Perhaps we'll see him in the league in a few years when he becomes bigger and stronger. Thanks for the nice auto Ryan!
Date sent: September 26th, 2011
Date received: October 11th, 2011
Total time: 15 days
Total players responses: 329
Total 2011 responses: 324
Another nice autograph return for my Heroes and Prospects set. Although I'm not actually collecting the entire set, I really love the way these cards have the minor league players. Louis is a prospect for the Phoenix Coyotes. Perhaps not the greatest prospect for them, but I'm sure he's a hard worker.
Date sent: January 26th, 2011
Date received: October 11th, 2011
Total time: 258 days
Total players responses: 328
Total 2011 responses: 323
Swedish born Tomas Holmstrom has currently played for one NHL team, the Detroit Red Wings. I definitely don't see him leaving the team as he exemplifies what a Red Wing is. Tomas was drafted 257th overall, continuing the trend of great, great players whom are drafted late in the NHL entry draft. Thanks Tomas!
Received IP: October 5th, 2011
Total players responses: 327
Total 2011 responses: 322
Brooks Orpik is the other player to have signed for my girlfriend (she waited while I was out at work!). An odd auto, as it looks really loopy, although I guess I can't complain as that's probably what his autograph looks like for most folks! Thanks Brooks!
Received IP: October 6th, 2011
Total players responses: 326
Total 2011 responses: 321
A great sign from Tyler Kennedy of the Pittsburgh Penguins when they came into town. It was really nice of Tyler to sign for my girlfriend, as not many of the Penguins players had stopped to sign. I'm really happy to have gotten this auto on this Rookie Class card by Upperdeck! Thanks!
Date sent: N/A
Date received: October 7th, 2011
Total time: N/A days
Total players responses: 325
Total 2011 responses: 320
A nice return by Mikhail Grabovsky has been on an upward trend in every season he's played in the NHL (with the exception of 2009, when he dipped 13 points from his previous season). I'm hoping that he'll be able to make a HUGE jump this year, as I have him in my hockey pool. Come on Grabo!
Date sent: N/A
Date received: October 6th, 2011
Total time: N/A days
Total players responses: 324
Total 2011 responses: 319
Oh, a surprise return from Glenn Healy. I got this return, not even knowing I had sent it out (actually to be fair, my girlfriend sent it out :D). I didn't keep track of this one, but I'm happy to have gotten a return. He never really played a full season in the NHL, but is now still heavily involved with CBC/TSN and commentating on hockey games. Thanks for the return Glenn!
Date sent: July 18th, 2011
Date received: October 6th, 2011
Total time: 80 days
Total players responses: 323
Total 2011 responses: 318
Noo!! My Orland Kurtenbach card is squished! As you can see, the Vancouver Canucks' first ever franchise captain signed this card, only to have it bent in the mail. I'm still pretty stoked about this signing, as Orland is considered part of history for Vancouver. Unfortunately, I was too young to remember him play, as I watched hockey mostly in the 90s, and in the 2000s. Orland played in the 50s - 70s era.
Date sent: January 15th, 2011
Date received: October 4th, 2011
Total time: 262 days
Total players responses: 322
Total 2011 responses: 317
Sweet! I'm really excited about this return as I've liked John Tavares ever since he was drafted into the NHL. He was a key contributer to Team Canada winning gold in 2008 and 2009. He amassed a staggering 15 points in 2009, scoring 8 goals and getting 7 assists. John added my name on to this card, but I'm just as happy as I got his auto! Thanks a bunch!
Date sent: June 22nd, 2011
Date received: October 4th, 2011
Total time: 104 days
Total players responses: 321
Total 2011 responses: 316
Michal Neuvirth burst on the scene in 2011, playing in net for the Washington Capitals. He managed to snag about half the games in net, where he provided 27 wins. Unfortunately all that great work last year didn't mean a whole lot, with the acquisition of Thomas Vokoun. It looks like Michal will have to beat him out of a job to regain his #1 status. Good luck Michal!
Date sent: September 12th, 2011
Date received: October 5th, 2011
Total time: 23 days
Total players responses: 320
Total 2011 responses: 315
What a perfect set up from my previous blog post of potential 1st overall draft pick to the 1991, 1st overall draft pick, Eric Lindros. Eric, as widely known, has had many, many concussions. He was known for his large body and was able to use it to his advantage. I really did like Eric, and the way he was able to carry himself. All the best Eric, I hope things are looking up for ya!
Date sent: September 9th, 2011
Date received: September 28th, 2011
Total time: 19 days
Total players responses: 319
Total 2011 responses: 314
Fortunately for me, Nail and Alex Galenchyuk's returns came on the same day! Nail has drawn comparisons to an Alexander Ovechkin type player, who hits hard and has a great shot. Slated to go in either the 2nd or 1st position in this years' draft, it'll be exciting to see where he lands. A quick return from Nail and Alex has me a happy kid!
