The Details are in the (New Jersey) Devil

Add this to the incredibly long list of things at Panini America that you simply just don't see everyday: Hockey acquisitions guru Alex Carbajal on Wednesday wheeling a push cart stacked heaping high with an impeccable selection of game-worn hockey sweaters.

Add this to the incredibly long list of things at Panini America that you simply just don’t see everyday: Hockey acquisitions guru Alex Carbajal on Wednesday wheeling a push cart stacked heaping high with an impeccable selection of game-worn hockey sweaters.

At some point, I’m sure such sights will become old hat. But until then, I’m going to keep geeking out. I hope you don’t mind.

Perched atop Carbajal’s cart-o-plenty had to be nothing less than one of the most puck-marked, battle-beaten Martin Brodeur sweaters in the history of the world, a most heavenly Devils gem from last season that features more tears, scars and repairs than the 90210 zip code.

Check out the images below for verification.

Of course, the Brodeur was just one part of a bountiful mail-day haul that included sweet game-worn sweaters from the likes of Alex Ovechkin, Nikolai Khabibulin and Tim Thomas.

Judging from the reaction of Carbajal and hockey product development gurus Al Muir and Clint Hall, I wasn’t the only one who thought that cart was pretty cool. Here’s betting you’ll find them just as enchanting when they’re affixed to sweet Panini America card in the near future.

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7 Replies to “The Details are in the (New Jersey) Devil”

  1. Saddens me to see such a great piece of memorabilia being cut up into tiny squares that have little to no significance to the collectors anymore. Especially when there’s no reference to the jersey on the cards at all. I’m all for the card companies using the one game wonders or promotional jerseys, and even photo shoot jerseys, but that Brodeur is a piece of art. Here’s hoping you don’t get a copy of the Mona Lisa so it doesn’t end up in 500 different Americana cards.

    Make the entire league wear photoshoot jerseys. Collectors will still buy them up. They have for the past 10 years with the popular rookie sets. It’ll save you money, and maybe it’ll save us some money as well. As a card and game worn memorabilia collector, I’d rather see jerseys of significance stay away from the shredding machines.

    1. Thanks for the feedback, Chris. While I can appreciate your perspective, I have to respectfully disagree with you on a few points. I think pieces of this Martin Brodeur sweater do have significance to those collectors lucky enough to pull them; certainly way more significance than promotional or photo shoot sweaters.

      Trust me, we wouldn’t go to the great lengths required to acquire this memorabilia if it didn’t have value to collectors. And to compare this one sweater worn during a 17-year career to the Mona Lisa is a bit much. But, if you happen to have a line on the Mona Lisa, by all means let us know.

      Seriously, thanks again for the feedback.

  2. Geez, I asked “another company” to do this for the better part of a decade, show the memorabilia they were cutting up along with the specific tagging and/or COAs.

    And I only requested some of the bigger names to prove to us it was all legit. So now you guys go and do it just for fun Tracy? Ho hum, another day at the Panini offices?

    Blasphemy!

  3. Thanks for the “preview”! Wow, LOVE the “puck marks” on the Brodeur jersey! Please don’t wash them out before putting them in the cards!! It would really add to the “game worn” effect!

    Sam

  4. I hate to see vintage sweaters cut up, but while today’s individual jerseys may be involved in significant milestones, players wear so many in the course of a season I don’t feel they are nearly as precious as vintage. Bottom line, these will make some really nice cards.

    Good to see Panini’s openness. I really like what I’ve seen so far and am looking forward to what lays ahead.

  5. What an awesome Brodeur jersey! Only wish it was in my collection, not heading for the cutting floor. Oh well, someday I hope to own my Brodeur Game Used Jersey. In the mean time I guess I will just continue to chase pieces of his jeresy in the cards I can acquire. Thanks for taking the time to show these pictures.
    Cheers, Dan V (aka 89chinook)

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