2015-16 Leaf Metal Hockey to showcase the game’s prospects and legends
By Stephen Laroche | Beckett Hockey Editor
Following a strong debut last season, Leaf Trading Cards is bringing back their solid mix of hockey’s brightest prospects and many of its greatest legends with 2015-16 Leaf Metal Hockey.
2015-16 Leaf Metal Hockey has five autograph cards per box. Printed using the company’s metal technology that has been well-received in other sports as well, the roster of talent includes 2016 NHL Entry Draft prospects from the Canadian Hockey League like Alex DeBrincat, Jakob Chychrun, Julien Gauthier, Michael McLeod, and Matthew Tkachuk. On top of that, there are cards of hot Finnish prospect Jesse Puljujarvi and future draftees such a Nolan Patrick and Joseph Veleno.
Get a fully sortable 2015-16 Leaf Metal Hockey checklist and price guide access.
In the case of Veleno, the sales sheet for 2015-16 Leaf Metal Hockey noted that the Saint John Sea Dogs rookie is a Leaf autograph exclusive. Considering that he was granted exceptional player status to enter the QMJHL at the age of 15, it is certainly an interesting coup for the company.
2015-16 Leaf Metal Hockey has a basic autograph set made up of prospects and there will be eight limited parallel versions in varying colors. The company also states that there is one Jack Eichel autograph per case on average.
From there, the inserts have different themes, including The Naturals and Light The Lamp, which examines some of the brightest future stars. Like the base set, the inserts will also have eight additional parallel versions. ETA The Show is all about potential first round picks while Immortals look back at some of the greatest talents in hockey history. The checklist here is very strong with names such as Martin Brodeur, Steve Yzerman, and Patrick Roy.
There is a strong international theme in the final insert collections for 2015-16 Leaf Metal Hockey. Pride of a Nation looks at individual stars that have been able to shine for their country, but there is bound to be some serious attention toward Team Miracle 80, which looks back at 17 members of the American squad that defied the odds to win gold at the 1980 Winter Olympics.
2015-16 Leaf Metal Hockey at a glance:
Packs per box: 1
Cards per pack: 5
Boxes per case: 15
Release date: April 27, 2016
What to expect in a hobby box:
• Autographs – 5
Stephen Laroche is the editor of Beckett Hockey, Beckett Basketball, and Beckett Sports Card Monthly magazines. Have a comment, question or idea? Send an e-mail to him at slaroche@beckett.com or follow him on Twitter @Stephen_Laroche.
I am still angry over Leaf being the only one with Eichel autographed cards. Their cards are unlicensed and that makes them boring and plain since they can’t use NHL logos. I will not be buying any of this.