Regarding ITG and Leaf, why do they only SOMETIMES put the player name on the 'stock' jersey??

[zackmak]

It's already bad enough the select player's actual photo can't be shown on products from these companies, but what's the deal with the name? Why jump back and forth between putting a name on the jersey, and not?

Some years/some sets, the company puts the name on the jersey, and some years/some sets, not.

 

[creasecollector]

I think it's a licensing issue, and if the players in question are signed to a deal with Upper Deck or not.

 

[zackmak]

It seems odd that it would be a licensing issue, because their name is still somewhere on the card. And the fact that the jersey is not an 'NHL-logo' jersey, why would it be problematic to put the name on there (also)?

 

[Kharlamov17]

I find this strange as well. I get part of the logo, but the name? Both kill it for me.

 

[LeafGregg]

It's already bad enough the select player's actual photo can't be shown on products from these companies, but what's the deal with the name? Why jump back and forth between putting a name on the jersey, and not?

Some years/some sets, the company puts the name on the jersey, and some years/some sets, not.

Actually, most of the products the last year all jerseys have had names on the back with the exception of a few players. Which product are you referring to without players last names?

 

[holygoalie]

Actually, most of the products the last year all jerseys have had names on the back with the exception of a few players. Which product are you referring to without players last names?

Might be referring to players like Gretzky and Orr to begin with...





...but the year before you did use Gretzky on the back...



It is kind of a mystery. :brow:

 

[LeafGregg]

Might be referring to players like Gretzky and Orr to begin with...





...but the year before you did use Gretzky on the back...



It is kind of a mystery. :brow:

You really find this to be a mystery? Out of all the players we do Jersey images of, these 2 are always no names.

 

[LeafGregg]

My point is, you will always find the same 2 players, out of all jersey images, we don't use names anymore. We did use their names in the past. Now we do it. 2 guys.

 

[holygoalie]

You really find this to be a mystery? Out of all the players we do Jersey images of, these 2 are always no names.

Obviously you took offence on a simple question... 2014-15 Gretzky does have his name on the back, 2015-16 doesn't... I think you produced both cards? So not sure your always claim applies. That's okay, if you don't want to answer that's cool, but don't take offence at a simple question. No worries. :brow: -Mike

 

[LeafGregg]

Obviously you took offence on a simple question... 2014-15 Gretzky does have his name on the back, 2015-16 doesn't... I think you produced both cards? So not sure your always claim applies. That's okay, if you don't want to answer that's cool, but don't take offence at a simple question. No worries. :brow: -Mike

I can take offense or not where I choose. I chose not to take offense at this because I don't find the question offensive. There are 2 players that after 2014-15 we chose not to use names on the back for reasons involving friendly agreements made. My always referred to the past few years. Will this change in the future? Maybe. I think based on the 2 players in question, you more or less knew the answer anyway. Notice I used in the past and don't use anymore in my post

 

[holygoalie]

I can take offense or not where I choose. I chose not to take offense at this because I don't find the question offensive. There are 2 players that after 2014-15 we chose not to use names on the back for reasons involving friendly agreements made. My always referred to the past few years. Will this change in the future? Maybe. I think based on the 2 players in question, you more or less knew the answer anyway. Notice I used in the past and don't use anymore in my post

Thanks for an answer somewhere in the middle there Gregg. I didn't 'more or less' know 'the answer anyway', hence a question was asked of you. Not clairvoyant on this end Gregg, therefore the respectful question was put to you. Sorry if that somehow annoyed you. Have a great weekend. :beer: -Mike

 

[LeafGregg]

Thanks for an answer somewhere in the middle there Gregg. I didn't 'more or less' know 'the answer anyway', hence a question was asked of you. Not clairvoyant on this end Gregg, therefore the respectful question was put to you. Sorry if that somehow annoyed you. Have a great weekend. :beer: -Mike

Bring me a real beer in Toronto at our booth along with your ITGU to open. I'll explain it all.

 

[holygoalie]

Bring me a real beer in Toronto at our booth along with your ITGU to open. I'll explain it all.

Oh, you mean Canadian beer? Lol! :beer: :drool:

 

[zackmak]

Thanks 'holygoalie' for supplying the specific examples and taking an invested interest in the topic. And thanks 'LeafGsregg' for addressing.

Yes, 'Orr' and 'Gretzky' are the two that were implied when I made the thread. With the ITG 2013/14, and the next year ITG/Leaf 2014/15 HAVING the Gretzky name on the 'stock' jerseys...but the next two years of Leaf (2015/16, 2016/17) NOT having the name, that's why the question was asked.

'holygoalie', it looks like you (and I, as well) wanted a definite and detailed explanation to the reason. And 'LeafGregg' provided the 'definite' (i.e. we used to put their names, but not anymore), but the 'detailed' was simply left as....there was a 'friendly agreement' not to put their names on the jersey; and also the future with these 2 players is 'more or less' known by collectors.

So, if I may be so bold, reading between the lines, 'LeafGregg' is implying that Upper Deck has these 2 players under license for their products, and an agreement (probably via handshake, not contract binding) was made between Leaf and UD for 2015/16 onward for Leaf to keep their names off the jerseys.

The only reason I can think that Upper Deck approached Leaf about this, is that UD pays millions for their 'sole' licenses, and wants to further the distance of a Gretzky or Orr card LOOKING like they're also licensed by another card company....because - simply put - a name on the back of their 'stock' jersey ACTUALLY looks like it's an officially licensed NHL/Gretzky/Orr product. So, Upper Deck wants the confusion gone, and their license to official Gretzky/Orr/NHL products to be protected right down to the last minute detail.

I would also guess that Leaf could have made the friendly agreement with the NHL also. Or maybe even Gretzky and Orr, as they have their own businesses too.

And, as far as all the other player names on the jerseys...UD or the NHL don't care (as much). Respectfully

This agreement would obviously benefit only UD, so what would be the benefit for Leaf to agree? A cash payout not to put the names on the jerseys? An improbable, yet somehow-they'll-find-a-way possible, licensing lawsuit? We'll never know, and I would not expect Leaf to tell us, rightfully so.

And as far as the comment of "you more or less know the answer" to the question of will Leaf put those 2 names on jerseys in the future, I think 'LeafGregg' is implying that he doesn't see those two particular stars leaving the UD license anytime soon, so things will remain as is.

Personally, I think Leaf/ITG have much MUCH better memorabilia card themes, designs, match-ups, pairings, etc. than Upper Deck. The Gretzky/Orr thing is a shame and does draw attention to the card, unfortunately. So for those cards, I search out UD products. What Leaf/ITG have done all these years without an NHL license while still producing exceptional looking cards, is amazing!!! All I can hope for is for the NHL to give Leaf/ITG a license one day.

Did I piece all this together ok?