For the first time in 5 years, hockey cards collectors can look forward to NHL products from someone other than collectibles giant Upper Deck.

I'm not going to bore you with set stats, but this looks like a major release, and will include the first jersey-autos of rookies this year. Let's get on with it.

EDIT: I've joined the 21st century and added pictures.

So far, there looks too be a couple key rookie cards for the Canes in this set, and each card in the set will have a number of increasingly rare parallel versions. I haven't seen the full checklist, but the set satisfies my needs so far.

Jeff Skinner makes his first NHL card appearance, although curiously, all the jersey swatches on Ebay all appear to be black. Since there's no possible way this could be a game-used jersey swatch on the card, this is likely a photo shoot jersey (lame). However, the cards, being the first  jersey/auto rookie cards of the season, seem to be justifying a premium.

via i.ebayimg.com

You can check out Ebay's listings of Guy Smiley here.

Making his second NHL card appearance, is Jamie McBain.

via i.ebayimg.com

Woot.

I'm waiting for the initial high prices to subside, but then rest assured I shall be entering the bidding fray. If you see a multi-colored swatch on that Skinner rookie card, you may want to take a stab at it - there may not be too many forthcoming.

Peace!