The original 6 team players generally took the time and did a proper signature. They were proud of what they did and of who they were. Now hockey is a business and the players generally are businessmen. Some of them love the game and their signatures show it.
Some of the examples we see, and that we own make me compare the signatures to fire hydrants. Dogs piddle on each on because they want to leave their mark. Dosen't really mean anything. The players who are weak signatories have to leave their mark, because they are under contract and have to. Doesn't mean anything.
The players who sign personally, and are not in a rush because of team movement, I have found ofter are more proud of their signature and take the time.
My comparison was meant to be humerous, but I think it is important that we realize the signature by the player is not important to them. It is a source income, or what is expected of them when in public.
ronbev