Panini Unwrapped Special Edition: Newest Hockey Hall of Famer Joe Nieuwendyk

So when Panini America NHL acqusitions specialist Alex Carbajal told me last Friday morning that three-time Stanley Cup champion Joe Nieuwendyk was coming into the office later that afternoon to sign some of his autographed cards, I did what anyone in my position would do: I picked my jaw up off the floor.

It’s not every day you find out that a true-to-life NHL legend will soon be in your midst.

So when Panini America NHL acquisitions specialist Alex Carbajal told me last Friday morning that three-time Stanley Cup champion Joe Nieuwendyk was coming into the office later that afternoon to sign some of his autographed cards, I did what anyone in my position would do: I picked my jaw up off the floor.

I then spent most of the rest of the day attempting to gather my bearings for one of the most star-studded episodes of Panini Unwrapped ever filmed.

Nieuwendyk, who just two weeks ago was informed that he would be joining former teammates Ed Belfour and Doug Gilmour in the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Class of 2011, joined the Panini America crew to bust a box of 2010-11 Luxury Suite Hockey and to discuss, among other things, the evolution of trading cards, signing the tape from one of his game-used sticks and the manifold brilliance of his playing career.

Currently the General Manager of the Dallas Stars, Nieuwendyk easily is one of the most decorated players in NHL history, claiming among his spectacular list of accomplishments three Stanley Cup titles (with Calgary, Dallas and New Jersey), a Calder Trophy (1988), a Conn Smythe Trophy (1999), four All-Star nods and an Olympic Gold medal (Canada in 2002).

The sweeping sweetness of his autograph is merely icing on the cake.

This special episode of Panini Unwrapped includes behind-the-scenes footage of Nieuwendyk’s signing session as well as his thoughts on players such as Pavel Datsyuk and Dustin Byfuglien. After you’ve watched that, be sure to check out the stunning gallery of cards Nieuwendyk signed late Friday afternoon.

Share

18 Replies to “Panini Unwrapped Special Edition: Newest Hockey Hall of Famer Joe Nieuwendyk”

  1. Just awesome! Imagine the person who pulls the Silver Ensigns NHL Shield who now has the video of the singing too. A special player and some really special cards!

  2. lifelong NJ Devils Fan.What a class act.Never had chance to meet him personally,but have heard nothing but nice things about the man.Congrates on your HOF Induction was a joy watching you score your 500TH as a Devil.

  3. That was a great video! Seeing a former player’s perspective on the cards was very interesting. I loved his comment on how you used to expect twelve cards in a pack. That NHL Shield card is something else, too. These videos get me EXCITED! I’m going to buy a box of Totally Certified basketball this Friday as a birthday present for myself, and I can’t wait!

  4. That had to be soo much fun to be able and not only interview a hockey great, but to be able to bust packs with him too. Not gonna lie, totally jealous.

  5. Amazing cards and an amazing player! I would love the opportunity to have a sit down with a Hall of Famer!

  6. Great episode, what an honor for you Paninin guys to chat with a legend like that. Nieuwendyk has always seemed as classy as they come. He never played for my team, but I always loved watching him play. It’d be a thrill to pull one of his sweet autos. Will the Luxury Suite wrapper that Joe used his teeth on be given away to one of the commenters here?

  7. Tracy, you sounded a little bit nervous! That was absolutely spectacular, and I couldn’t get over just how jacked he is. Howe, Selanne, Recci, Roberts, Oates and Lindstrom all played into their 40s. I’m sure there plenty more.

    Loved the video. Loved watching him toss the cards. Loved watching him open packs and try and squeeze them out like it aint no thang.

  8. When is the OFFICIAL Release Date for this product, I Spoke to Panini CS on 2 different occasions and 1 time i hear Aug 31st and the 2nd (Today) i hear its still scheduled for the 27th. Was wondering if i could get some serious insight.

Leave a Reply to Tracy Hackler Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *