Leaf Ceo Q&a W/ Collectors On Eichel Exclusive

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LeafCeo

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Guys.... I wanted to create this thread to be a Q&A regarding the EICHEL EXCLUSIVE we announced today.... I will attempt to answer each question below with the following ground rules....

1> we will only reply to questions and ask that commentary go to one of the other numerous threads... this is intended to be a very clean and pure interaction

2> I would request some element of politeness... I know some may be frustrated or not understand initially, but that is why I am here to set the record straight!

3> lastly, lets take a deep breath and have a constructive exchange... This is a hobby, not world war III.... I am good at listening when presented intelligently.... Lets have a good exchange...

Fire away!

Brian Gray, CEO Leaf Trading cards
 
Hi Brian. Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions! First of all, congratulations on the signing. You must be very excited. My question is this:

Do you anticipate a "fight" from UD and the NHLPA on this? And if so, how will you or Mr Eichel respond if the NHLPA tries to force him to sign for their client?
 
Don't have any questions. Just wanted to say I like your new cards REALLY LIKE. I collect Vanbiesbrouck and I'm happy with all the new stuff. Just keep calm with parallels.

Wish you the best of luck
 
Hi Brian,

Although many collectors may feel like this is a step back for the hobby, I think it was a huge win for Leaf. I'm just playing devils advocate here but do you feel like this move will hurt your chances of getting a license deal once UD has theirs expired?
 
frankiefives said:
Hi Brian. Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions! First of all, congratulations on the signing. You must be very excited. My question is this:

Do you anticipate a "fight" from UD and the NHLPA on this? And if so, how will you or Mr Eichel respond if the NHLPA tries to force him to sign for their client?
Click to expand...

Thanks for the question.

First, there will be no fight. Upper Deck made an offer and Leaf made an offer. Jack Eichel chose Leaf! I'm sure the PA is aware of this.

Second, Mr. Eichel will NOT be forced to do anything... Have you seen him? WHOA!, but seriously, if UD wants Eichel signatures they can feel free to call me to discuss.

Lastly, I couldn't be more excited. Jack is a special player and I promise to you (as I promised to him), Leaf will do a great job with his autographed cards.

BG
 
mralex69 said:
Don't have any questions. Just wanted to say I like your new cards REALLY LIKE. I collect Vanbiesbrouck and I'm happy with all the new stuff. Just keep calm with parallels.

Wish you the best of luck
Click to expand...

Thanks for the kind words... we are working very hard to change the face of the brand. I do hope people see this and know we care about the industry and its well being. That's why we give you a CHOICE when you collect.

BG
 
t-rex604 said:
Hi Brian,

Although many collectors may feel like this is a step back for the hobby, I think it was a huge win for Leaf. I'm just playing devils advocate here but do you feel like this move will hurt your chances of getting a license deal once UD has theirs expired?
Click to expand...

Thanks for the well wishes and great question.

No, I don't think this would have any impact. In fact, as Leaf continues to grow in popularity, quality and its commitment to the category, I think Leaf becomes MORE attractive to licensors. Additionally, the hobby is a funny place as it feels like more things change than stay the same.

We can worry about those bridges when they comes. Today, we have to focus on our current products and delivering exceptional value.

I feel strongly we are on the right track!
BG
 
Elias Devil said:
Do you have any plans for the upcoming season to make a set with affordable packs that the common collector can pick up on a whim?
Click to expand...

I would not be shocked to see Leaf create a retail SKU this year which would be affordable. Additionally as far as hobby product, your question might be answered to your pleasure during 15/16. Stay tuned.

BG
 
What is your response to the collectors who were looking forward to autographed "true" Rookies of Jack Eichel featuring him with his team logo?
 
Do you guys have any game-worn jerseys or memorabilia of Eichel already that you will be using early on, and do you plan on using some NHL memorabilia later in the season?
 
I think the most obvious question is this: what will be the first Leaf product where collectors can get an Eichel autograph?

Related - will Leaf be producing "mass-market" type products where Eichel autographs will have deeper print runs, i.e. /100, /499, etc.? To date the model has been to produce limited-quantity products where there may be a number of parallels. Leaf Metal, for example, has 22 Nick Merkley autographs, all but one of which are #'d to 25 or less.
 
RGM81 said:
I think the most obvious question is this: what will be the first Leaf product where collectors can get an Eichel autograph?

Related - will Leaf be producing "mass-market" type products where Eichel autographs will have deeper print runs, i.e. /100, /499, etc.? To date the model has been to produce limited-quantity products where there may be a number of parallels. Leaf Metal, for example, has 22 Nick Merkley autographs, all but one of which are #'d to 25 or less.
Click to expand...

Superlative will feature his first signatures, and they will be limited.
 
geschrocks33 said:
What is your response to the collectors who were looking forward to autographed "true" Rookies of Jack Eichel featuring him with his team logo?
Click to expand...

Thanks for the feedback....

#1- 1970's football cards were not licensed by the NFL (look for LOGOS?)... Yet, they are rookies.... I consider the whole TRUE RC moniker brainwashing by licensees... YOU are the collector. YOU get to decide which card is a players best.

#2- We reached out to UD before they signed Connor and promoted a NO EXCLUSIVES position. They did NOT agree to do so. I would still agree to no exclusives if UD would... Think they would agree to do so?

#3- Lastly, you will still have UD rookies to collect.... they just may not be signed... (FYI, I reached out to UD to discuss Eichel and they had no interest)

If they don't care should you?
BG
 
FrozenInferno said:
Do you guys have any game-worn jerseys or memorabilia of Eichel already that you will be using early on, and do you plan on using some NHL memorabilia later in the season?
Click to expand...

We will use game worn jerseys later in the year... Player worn early...
BG
 

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