Upper Deck Back as NHL Exclusive in 2014-15

When will the nightmare that is Upper Deck’s exclusive on hockey cards end? Their affordable cards look cheap and most of their product is high-end that is way beyond my reach. Their continued use of player-worn (as opposed to game-worn) jersey material and sticker autographs is just plain irritating. And the redemptions…still waiting for cards as far back as 2015!

I just started collecting hockey cards again, and already thinking of stopping because of Upper Deck. I enjoy that cards now have patches, autos, and numbered. In the past year, have been buying their premier, ultimate, and the cup lines. What bothers me is the redemptions. You’d imagine with the cost of these products, they would fulfill ASAP! But no, alas. Sure, I’m patient and can wait a few months, but what bothers me is that those same player autos I am waiting for, are found signed in their latest product. UD buy backs. I’m not against making money, but not when it’s such a scam. Nhl, you’ve partnered up with a lousy partner.

I’m sad as well. Not a big Panini fan, but I always appreciated their NHL products. UD has to come through big with this exclusive license, otherwise it’s going to kill the hobby for me. I already stopped buying baseball products because of how limited the market is, hopefully they don’t make the same mistake.

the nhl should of read about the nbl not getting paid and take a look at all the lawsuits upper deck has been in or currently is in. But any company that rips kids off should be shunned and left to grow broke.

I couldn’t be happier. I have had excellent success with UD redemptions, they have really ramped it up. I have so much outstanding stuff from Topps it’s pathetic. UD gets Hockey and they support the sport well. As for Panini, I think it’s an Italian word for cheap, crease prone foil material. I look forward to the continuation of SP Authentic, Black Diamond, etc. I also agree that ITG comes up with some good concepts ( and some real strange ones) that UD should take a look at.

I just got back into collecting in the past few weeks and had done a bunch of research to see what had happened to various brands for various sports. Even before this bit of news came out and I was already thinking that it was unfortunate that so many brands had gone away or that so few companies had rights to produce cards anymore. Less companies = less competition = less choice and satisfaction for the buyer.
PS I think Upper Deck makes a great product

wow so no more dominion or prime. that sucks

Now you need to get back your NBA license, Upper Deck. Cmon UD!! I hope you can once again reclaim it.

I think the comment of @sdevanny resumes the situation very well. Big thumbs down to the NHL and NHLPA.

This is horrible news for the hobby. Panini was making some nice strides with some fine products and I feel the competition was forcing UD to put some extra creative effort into their offerings. To think, I was hoping the playing field would be opened a bit further and ITG would get a license!
Poor decision IMHO, I sure would like to hear the reasoning behind it.