Upper Deck vs. Panini: Gordie Howe Autographs
If you have been checking out the recent previews of Panini’s 2010-11 Certified Hockey product, you have probably seen this card floating around the internet.
Interesting, since Howe has had a long-term deal with Upper Deck for the past little while. Maybe it expired? Or, according to Upper Deck, maybe it hasn’t:
We’ve had some questions on this. Our multi-year exclusive spokesman deal with Gordie Howe remains in tact. UD remains the only place you can find signature trading cards of Mr. Hockey.
That’s interesting. According to UD, there are no exclusive contracts for active players, but retired players (non NHLPA members) are still fair game for exclusives.
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I’m still wondering if their contract is for him to sign “Mr. Hockey” or his actual signature. Figuring that every UD release that has Gordie in it, the cards say Mr. Hockey instead of Gordie Howe.
I wonder if that would make the difference.
That’s possible, but UD seemed pretty insistent that the card wasn’t going to fly – even though it doesn’t mention Mr. Hockey on it.