Serge Savard was at the Sportcard Expo in Toronto and I needed his autograph for my 01-02 Fleer Greats of the Game Set. I am down to the nitty gritty now on that set and it is getting very difficult to find any that I need. I used to stay at Serge's hotel in Montreal near the Bell Centre. I believe he sold the hotel now though. He was a great defenceman that won 7 Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens.
The Sportcard Expo never fails to have a great lineup of autograph guests. I needed Frank for my 01-02 Fleer Greats of the Game set that I am trying to get fully autographed. I will note this though, if you get an autograph at the Expo, purchase the fast pass. Frank and his brother Pete were there with AJs Sports. I did not buy a fast pass as I thought I would be out of there in under an hour, but that was a huge mistake. They obviously did not cap the amount of fast passes purchased. I waited in the line for over 2 hours before even moving 1 step. At any rate, I got Frank only as I had gotten Pete back in 2009 at the NHL All-Star Fanfest in Montreal. They were both very chatty with the fans which is always amazing to see. I was glad to add this to my set.
Mailed: 12/19/2023
Received: 6/17/2024
Days: 181
c/o: Winnipeg Jets
Nikolaj is a solid 2 way player who averages near the 60 points per season range. He was the only person on the ice with a clear head when Mark Scheifele ran over Jake Evans of the Canadiens when he scored an empty netter. Nikolaj was standing overtop Evans and protecting him from the other 8 players on the ice as they got into it. I did not have one of his autographs in my collection, so these are nice to add.
Mailed: 12/7/2023
Received: 5/16/2024
Days: 161
c/o: Toronto Marlies
The Toronto Marlies seem to be a good team for TTM so far. Kyle has played the last 2 seasons with the Marlies. He is a hard worker that doesn't shy away from conflict. He got into it with Imama in the first round of the AHL playoffs this year. He had 4 points and 25 PIMS in the 3 playoff games before being bounced by Belleville. Hopefully, he can come back with the Marlies/Leafs for next season and add some grit and defence to the lineup. I did not have an autograph of his, so its nice to add a new one to my collection.
I attended the spring Sport Card and Memorabilia Expo in Toronto on the weekend. They had all 6 of the Sutter brothers there. I have various autographs of the other Sutters, but I needed to get my 01-02 Fleer Greats of the Game card of his, signed. I am still working hard on this set. He was super nice and in general, just seemed really genuine.
Mailed: 1/30/2024
Received: 4/29/2024
Days: 90
c/o: Toronto Marlies
I watched Logan Shaw play with the Belleville Senators and loved his hard play. He has played 232 games in the NHL including 30 with the Canadiens. He has been with the Toronto Marlies for the last 2 seasons. Both of those were really good seasons points wise for him as well. The Marlies were just bounced from the playoffs by his former AHL team, the Senators. I would imagine the Maple Leafs will bring him in to at least practice with the team while they are still playing, in case they need a call up.
Mailed: 1/2/2024
Received: 4/8/2024
Days: 97
c/o: Manitoba Moose
Jeffrey Viel is a tough guy who can score. He is in his first season with the Moose and has 34 points. With the Moose out of the playoffs and the Jets looking really good to make a run, he will probably be a call up in case they need some added toughness in the lineup. He autographed his 2 OPC rookie cards from 21-22.
Mailed: 1/30/2024
Received: 3/21/2024
Days: 51
c/o: Montreal Canadiens
Mike Matheson has been a beast since coming over in a trade with the Penguins for Petry and Poehling. He has 47 points so far this year and is 3rd in scoring behind only Caufield and Suzuki. I do not have an auto of his in my collection, so this is a great one to add for sure!
Mailed: 12/20/2023
Received: 1/29/2024
Days: 40
c/o: Laval Rocket
This is my first successful return since re-starting this hobby. I go to quite a few Belleville Senators games when the Rocket are in town, so I have seen Kelly in person, but it is always as he is heading to the bench to start the period. He was a gritty player throughout his career and he has been with the Rocket for 3 seasons now as an assistant coach.
