Mail: Eichel Auto, TTMs & More

A good mix of autographs in this post. Some purchases and TTM returns. A lot came from one seller at a great price. Sometimes you just have to feel a seller out. I threw him best offers on a number of autographs at rather large discount. Alone they might have not been accepted, but as a lot everyone's happy. It started with Richie Dunn, I saw he had a Plasse (which I got for less than $5!) and then a lot grew from there. I'm very careful when I buy via ebay and this seller checked out so I was happy to pick up a nice little lot. I do always make sure I can find a comparable signature when I buy online. When it comes to the lesser known modern guys, its not so much the authenticity that you have to worry about (because why fake a $1 common signature) but simply that there was no errors in identify/classifying the signatures. That level of caution usually snags a few signatures and one of them is in this mail post. I purchased the Ron Smith autograph listed as the New York Islanders player. Right name, wrong guy. It was actually the now deceased Ron Smith who coached in the NHL. I still needed that for my collection so bought it and rightfully re identified it with a custom index.

38 New NHL autographs this post makes the grand total of unique NHL player signatures 5,425 for 73% of everyone to ever play in the league.

I just got a big package from COMC so the next mail post will follow shortly and will be mostly newer guys.

Michel Plasse

The Montreal Canadiens drafted Michel Plasse 1st overall in 1968. The goalie went on to play 300 games in the NHL, dressing with the Blues, Habs, Scouts, Penguins, Rockies and Nordiques. Plasse passed away in 2006 so his autographs aren't very common.

Jack Eichel

Drafted 2nd overall to McDavid in 2015, Eichel has proven to be a star player for the Sabres. I credit Leaf for designing a card that you'd never know they didn't have a license to make. I like photos like this where the airbrushing is not evident. I was actually just slightly disappointed with this card because it wasn't the one pictured in the auction I won. That card the autograph didn't run off the sticker at all. Not a big deal I guess but a little annoying. 

Alex Biega

A Harvard University alumni, Alex Biega has played nearly 100 games in the NHL with Vancouver since making his debut with the 2014/15 club.

Derek Whitmore

Derek Whitmore was an undrafted Bowling Green State alumni when he was signed as a free agent by the Sabres. Whitmore appeared in 2 career NHL games with the 2011/12 Sabres.

Gavin Morgan

An undrafted University of Denver grad, Gavin Morgan played 6 career NHL games with the 2003/04 Dallas Stars. He recorded no points but did drop the gloves 3 times. He's now an assistant coach at the University of Alabama-Huntsville. 

Nick Smith

Nick Smith played 15 NHL games with the 2001/02 Florida Panthers.

Guys like Smith can prove to be very hard to find after retiring due to having such a common name so I'm extra happy to get this return.

Peter Ratchuk

From 1998 to 2001 Peter Ratchuk played 32 games in the NHL with the Florida Panthers. The defenceman was originally drafted 25th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in 1996 but went unsigned by the club, joining Florida as a free agent. He's currently a pro scout with the Winnipeg Jets.

Tom Pederson

From 1992 to 1997 Tom Pederson played 240 regular season games in the NHL. The defenceman played for the San Jose Sharks and Toronto Maple Leafs. Internationally, he represented USA at the 1991 and 1996 World Championships, bringing home a bronze medal in '96. Pederson also represented America at the 1989 World Juniors. 

Dean Kolstad

From 1988 to 1993 Dean Kolstad suited up in 40 NHL games. The defenceman split that time between the Minnesota North Stars, who drafted him 33rd overall in 1986, and San Jose Sharks, who picked him up in the 1991 dispersal draft. 

Darren Banks

From 1992 to 1994 Darren Banks played 20 games in the NHL with the Boston Bruins. The tough customer scored 2 goals, 4 points and 73 penalty minutes. He currently spends his days in Las Vegas working for a casino.

Chris Cichocki

From 1985 to 1989 Chris Cichocki scored 11 goals and 23 points in 68 career NHL games playing for the Detroit Red Wings and then New Jersey Devils. Internationally, he represented America at the 1983 World Juniors. Since 2009 Chichocki has been a pro scout with the Edmonton Oilers.

Mike Moher

Tough guy Mike Moher recorded 1 assist and 28 penalty minutes in 9 career NHL games with the 1982/83 New Jersey Devils. He's notable for his accomplishments as a junior, winning the Memorial Cup in 1982 with the Kitchener Rangers. He also won a World Junior Championships gold in 1982 with Canada.

Glenn Patrick

The son of Lynn Patrick, Glenn is indeed part of one of hockey's most famous families. From 1973 to 1977 Glenn played 38 games in the NHL, scoring 2 goals and 5 points. He dressed with the Blues, Seals and Barons. He also played 23 games in the WHA with the 1976/77 Edmonton Oilers.

Brian Watts

Brian Watts was drafted 7th overall by the Red Wings in 1964 but decided to attend Michigan Tech before embarking on a pro hockey career. He ended up playing 4 NHL games with the 1975/76 Detroit Red Wings.

Larry Giroux

From 1973 to 1980 defenceman Larry Giroux recorded 15 goals and 89 points in 274 career NHL games. He's perhaps most notable for his killer 70s fro and sideburns, earning him a few nicknames over his career.

Dean Jenkins

An undrafted University of Lowell alumni, Dean Jenkins played 5 games in the NHL with the 1983/84 Los Angeles Kings. 

Lex Hudson

Defenceman Lex Hudson played 2 career regular season and 2 career playoff games in the NHL with the 1978/79 Pittsburgh Penguins.

Dwight Mathiasen

An undrafted University of Denver alumni, Dwight Mathiasen was signed as a free agent by the Pittsburgh Penguins as a highly touted college player. A top prospect at the time, he was one of the first NHLers to sign a million dollar contract before even suiting up in the league. From 1986 to 1988 he only played 33 NHL games with the Penguins, never reaching his potential.

Jim Wiley

From 1972 to 1977 Jim Wiley scored 4 goals and 14 points in 64 career NHL games. He dressed with both the Pittsburgh Penguins and later the Vancouver Canucks. Wiley also spent some time as an NHL head coach with the San Jose Sharks in 1995/96.

Larry Johnston

From 1967 to 1977 Larry Johnston played over 300 games in the NHL, dressing with the LA Kings, Detroit Red Wings, Kansas City Scouts and Colorado Rockies. He also spent part of a season in the WHA with the Michigan Stags. Johnston is also notable for spending time as captain of the Red Wings in 1974. 

Brent Meeke

From 1972 to 1977 Brent Meeke played 75 games in the NHL, scoring 9 goals and 31 points. Meeke spent time with California and Cleveland in the NHL.

Ray Neufeld

From 1979 to 1990 Ray Neufeld scored 357 points in 595 regular season NHL games. He was a 4 time 20+ season goal scorer and with the Hartford Whalers had 3 consecutive 25+ goal seasons.

Terry Johnson

From 1979 to 1988 defenceman Terry Johnson played 285 regular season and 38 playoff games in the NHL. He was a member of the Nordiques, Blues, Flames and Maple Leafs.

Doug Sulliman

From 1979 to 1990 Doug Sulliman played well over 600 games in the NHL, scoring 160 goals and 328 points. Sullivan was a member of the Rangers, Whalers, Devils and Flyers. He later spent time in the NHL as an assistant coach with the New Jersey Devils and Phoenix Coyotes.

John Chabot

From 1983 to 1991 John Chabot recorded 312 points in 508 regular season NHL games. Chabot played for the Canadiens, Penguins and Red Wings. He was a highly scouted junior prospect and was named the QMJHL's MVP in 1982. Chabot briefly returned to the NHL in 2007 as an assistant coach with the New York Islanders.

Tony McKegney

From 1978 to 1991 Tony McKegney scored over 300 goals in the NHL. McKegney was one of the league's first black stars and did battle through racism. He actually signed his first big pro contract in the WHA with Birmingham but outcry by fans forced owners to pull back on the deal. Unfortunately, McKegney has recently battled substance abuse problems and had spent time in jail.

Stephane Guerard

From 1987 to 1990 defenceman Stephane Guerard played 34 NHL games with the Quebec Nordiques. Injuries forced him to retire early. 

Risto Siltanen

Risto Siltanen came to North America from Finland to play for the WHA's Edmonton Oilers. He followed the team to the NHL and in 1981/82 the defenceman was a point per game player with the Oilers and one of their most important D-men. Unfortunately for Siltanen, he was traded to Hartford for Ken Linseman before the Oilers became a dynasty. Siltanen played in the NHL until 1987, amassing 355 points in 562 regular season games. 

I'll note that autographs done in pen tend to not scan very well but its actually very legible in person.

Ken Quinney

From 1986 to 1991 Ken Quinney recorded 7 goals and 20 points in 59 career NHL games with the Quebec Nordiques.

Doug Dadswell

I had tried writing to Dadswell multiple times and multiple addresses and never got anything back. As one of the few living goalies left on my wantlist, I bit the bullet and bought this one. From 1986 to 1988 Dadswell played 28 games in the NHL with the Calgary Flames, mostly acting as a backup to Mike Vernon.

Jari Gronstrand

From 1986 to 1991 Finnish defenceman Jari Gronstrand played 185 games in the NHL, playing with the North Stars, Rangers, Nordiques and Islanders. He represented Finland at the 1986 World Championships and 1987 Canada Cup. 

Scott Bjugstad

From 1984 to 1992 Scott Bjugstad scored 76 goals and 144 points in 317 career games, dressing with the North Stars, Penguins and Kings. Internationally, he represented the USA at the 1984 Olympics. Current NHLer Nick Bjugstad is his nephew.

Jan Ludvig

From 1982 to 1989 Jan Ludvig scored 54 goals and 141 points in 314 career NHL games. He was a member of the New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres. The Czech native has been a pro scout with the New Jersey Devils since 1994.

Richie Dunn

From 1977 to 1989 defenceman Richie Dunn played well over 500 career regular season+playoff games in the NHL. He spent most of his career in Buffalo but also dressed as a Calgary Flame and Hartford Whaler. Internationally, Dunn represented USA at the 1981 Canada Cup and 1986 World Championships. He passed away in 2016 at 59.

Rick Meagher

Rick Meagher won the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the NHL's top defensive forward. He's also notable for being captain of the St. Louis Blues during the 1989/90 season. From 1979 to 1991 Meagher scored 144 goals and 309 points in 691 regular season NHL games. He played with the Canadiens, Whalers, Devils and Blues.

Kevin Maguire

From 1986 to 1992 Kevin Maguire scored 29 goals and 59 points in 260 career NHL games. He played for the Maple Leafs, Sabres and Flyers. Maguire later returned to the NHL as an official.

Dan Vincelette

Dan Vincelette made his NHL debut in the 1987 playoffs with the Chicago Blackhawks. From then until 1992 he recorded 20 goals and 42 points in 193 career games, all with the Hawks.

Joe Micheletti

Defeceman Joe Micheletti played 3 seaons in the WHA before moving to the NHL in 1979. He played over 150 games in the NHL until 1982, dressing with the Blues and Rockies. From 1987 to 1991 Micheletti returned to the NHL as an assistant coach with the St. Louis Blues. His brother, Pat, also played in the NHL.

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As usual I'll finish off with the new hockey autographs that don't fall into my all-time NHL player collection. The McCaskill goes into my "super random" hockey autographs binder, a few for the coaches collection, one for the NHL officials binder and two for my women of the game collection.

Kirk McCaskill

This goes into my super oddball binder of hockey related autographs and is my personal favorite signature of this mail post. McCaskill, along with Tom Glavine, are the two most notable recent MLB players who grew up strong hockey players. McCaskill was a two sport athlete at the University of Vermont and was drafted 64th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in the 1981 NHL draft. He played 1 season of pro hockey with the Sherbrooke Jets, scoring 10 goals and 22 points, before hanging up his skates to pursue his baseball career full time. McCaskill ended up making the right choice as he spent over a decade in the MLB and pitched for over 200 games. Some recent pro Ball players have spent time in junior hockey but McCaskill is a rare bread for being able to spend a solid season in the AHL as a pro. 

Jean Perron

Jean Perron is most notable for being head coach of the 1985/86 Montreal Canadiens and led the team to the Stanley Cup championship. He served as head coach for the Habs from 1985 to 1988 and later took the head coaching position with the Quebec Nordiques for one season in 1988/89.

Martin Raymond

From 2010 to 2013 Martin Raymond was an assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Lightning. In 2016 he followed Guy Boucher to Ottawa and was named an assistant coach with the Senators. As a player he never made it to the NHL but did win a Bronze medal with Canada at the 1991 Spengler Cup.

Jerry Forton

Currently a scout with the Buffalo Sabres, Jerry Forton spent 1 season as an assistant coach in the NHL. He was behind the bench of the 2013/14 Sabres.

Pierre Page

Between 1988 and 1998 Pierre Page spent time as an NHL head coach with the Minnesota North Stars, Quebec Nordiques, Calgary Flames and Anaheim Mighty Ducks. From 1990 to 1994 he was also GM of the Nordiques and was responsible for the infamous Eric Lindros to Philly trade that netted the Nords Peter Forsberg among other riches.

E.J. McGuire

E.J. McGuire spent over a decade in the NHL as an assistant coach, serving with the Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators. McGuire passed away in 2011. 

Ron Smith

Ron Smith spent half a season as head coach of the New York Rangers in 1992/93 and from 1989 to 1991 was the team's assistant coach. He also spent time as an assistant coach with the Vancouver Canucks, New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres.

Dan Marouelli
From 1984 to 2010 Dan Marouelli officiated over 1,600 regular season NHL games. He also officiated four Stanley Cup finals and the 1996 World Cup. He was indeed one of the league's most notable officials throughout his lengthy career.

Dana Antal

Dana Antal won an Olympic Gold as a member of team Canada's 2002 women's hockey team. She played college hockey at Cornell. Thanks to some ITG autograph card sets, I'm just a few women away from autographs of all who participated in the 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010 or 2014 Olympics with Canada

Andrea Kilbourne

Andrea Kilbourne-Hill was a member of the USA women's team that captured Silver at the 2002 Olympics. She played college hockey at Princeton and also represented USA at the 2004 Womens World Hockey Championships.