Does topps want back in the hockey card market?

[cdn_blue]

Do you think the release of the Puck Attax game by Topps is a sign of things to come?

I would like to see other companies making licensed NHL hockey cards, I am getting bored with Upper Deck and their products.

[30ranfordfan]

I hope so. When the current agreement is up (after the 10-11 season, I believe) I hope they give licenses back to Topps, and ITG.

I may not even move away from Upper Deck products (aside from singles I want) but the competition would be healthy for the hobby.

[RGM81]

I would wager that it's a safe bet they'd be interested in getting a licence again. We'll see what the PA agrees to next season.

[Prime B]

This is (supposedly) the last year of UD's exclusive.

I hear that Panini might be coming back and/or taking over the NHL license, but I would love to see Topps as well. And of course ITG.

[mxaxtxtx]

Ugh, I would really, really dislike if Panini hit the hockey market.

What they have done for football/basketball is no better than what UD has done. ALOT of redemption cards, horrible sticker autographs, the release of a million products that look pretty much the same and are sloppily done.

The upside of Panini is for football/basketball, they do add some pretty sick patch cards, the downside is they pretty much just use all "event worn" stuff, these cards flood the market and a card that a year or two ago without Panini would have traded for $15, is now trading for $2-$5. Watch eBay on a lot of the Panini stuff, some stuff that you would consider pretty neat, drops off with buy it nows at $2-$3 because the market is so flooded with their crap.

[Flyers16]

I would think competition would be good overall for the hockey card market. It would bring some much needed variety to sets and UD would not be obligated/compelled to put out so many sets.

[polacksrules]

I guess i will take Upper Decks side on this, but ive always enjoyed collecting Upper Deck. Sure they could have dont things a little differently, like not as many redemptions or have nicer patches on some cards, but at the same time if other companies come back in the picture im afraid that it might go back to the way it was in the 90's where there is an over abundance of product and nothing really worth as much. As a player collector im afraid of how many more extra cards i would have to go and hunt out.

Personally I've also collected the main Upper Deck (S1 + S2) set every year since it started back in 90-91 and i hope that it will continue and not lose their license out right. If the PA were to give out a license to another product i hope that its to ITG only because i think they are the only company besides Upper Deck that can produce hockey cards for the Hockey Fan.(i know i will get critizism for this last statement and probably proven wrong)

[Goose97]

If topps re-enters the market, and a few others, it will mean the laid back, I'm the king of the hill attitude that UD has enjoyed the past few years will make them go back to improving their QC.
I do remember the 90's well, and from all that went on back then, UD survived because their QC was up to snuff on most of their lines. They had no choice. Pinnacle, Donruss, Leaf, Fleer, Topps, were the enemy, and were not so bad. UD eventually won out, quite a bit on the basis of QC, and they had appeal. Pacific, and ITG came later, and gave them a good run for a few years especially with the game used stuff.

This will be great for all of us who like variety, and choice.

[Robot Rabbit]

Well, look at it this way:

-- A pack of Upper Deck baseball cards costs $2.99 and has 18 cards.

-- A pack of Upper Deck hockey cards costs $2.99 and has 8 (eight) cards.

So, why do baseball card collectors get 10 more cards for their money?

The answer is COMPETITION. Because Topps makes baseball cards too, Upper Deck has to try harder. A hockey blaster box of UD has 65 cards, but a baseball blaster has 180 cards.

Upper Deck does not have to TRY...and frankly, they haven't the past five years. Yes, some good stuff has come out, but if Topps, ITG and Panini got hockey licenses, then they'd REALLY have to work at bringing us a quality product at a competitive price.

Sal