Configuration:
Packs per box: 1
Cards per pack: 7
Boxes per case: 12
Box Break:
– seven autograph cards or six autograph cards and a Toronto Centennial Memorabilia card
Even though the 2017 NHL Draft is still a few months away, excitement is starting to build among collectors for the players that are eligible to be selected. Leaf Trading Cards is looking to keep building that hype with the release of 2016-17 Leaf Metal Hockey – which focuses on the game’s future along with its illustrious past.
Limited to just 200 cases, there is bound to be plenty of buzz around prime prospects like Nolan Patrick of the Brandon Wheat Kings, who happens to be under a long-term autograph exclusive with Leaf. There are seven cards per box and all are printed using the company’s patented metal technology.
Autographs
The absence of a traditional base set should not deter prospectors from breaking boxes of 2016-17 Leaf Metal Hockey as there is a Base Auto collection which covers many of the game’s future stars that are currently playing for Canadian Hockey League teams. In addition to Patrick and Halifax Mooseheads star Nico Hischier, many potential 2017 draftees will be spotlighted and parallels are expected to be very limited.
Prospects are front and center in several of the themed autograph sets in this product. There were three collections announced in Vision Quest, Winters Future, and Draft Class. The latter set appears to cover future drafts as well, giving collectors an indication of what players they may want to chase in coming years.
Retired legends also get plenty of attention in 2016-17 Leaf Metal Hockey. Lords of Hockey is all about the immortals while National Pride, which also features Leaf autograph exclusive Jack Eichel, examines those that are the best from their respective countries. Another interesting concept is CHL Award Winners, which takes a look back at some big names that excelled before starting their pro careers.
Memorabilia
There is just one collection of game-used memorabilia cards that can be found in boxes of 2016-17 Leaf Metal Hockey. Luckily for vintage collectors, Toronto Centennial Season has a very appropriate theme as the Maple Leafs are celebrating the franchise’s 100th year in the NHL. While these cards are not licensed by the league, the player selection is expected to be strong based on Leaf’s inventory of historical game-used memorabilia. It should be noted that collectors may receive one of these cards in lieu of a seventh autograph card in their box.
