It makes sense...again...that Panini enters the market. They are an internationally recognized brand name, and many of the players in the NHL are based in Europe, where Panini's name is as recognized there as Topps' is here in North America.
But Topps put out a product that was licensed by both the NHL and NHLPA this year...Topps Puck Attax. And although it is more of a trading card "GAME" product than it is a trading card product, the product used players' names, teams' names, logos, and all the bells and whistles. And from the few packs that I received (a prize from VOTC's contest a while back), the cards look fantastic (although hard to store).
Does this mean that Topps blew their shot at regaining a license? Will they even be allowed to make Puck Attax again?
With the recent troubles at that other card company, will the NHL reconsider?
Although I don't really collect hockey cards, I certainly would love it if Topps got back into the NHL card business again, something they've been away from since the strike cancelled the season. And I thought that with Puck Attax, the door was slowly opening for a shot (pun intended) at it.
Sadly, it doesn't appear that way (unless something happens).
Sincerely,
JayBee Anama
