News & Views

The Puck Junk Podcast is 10 Years Old

Well, Sort Of…

Ten years ago this month, I launched the Puck Junk Podcast. On May 12, 2015, the first episode of the show – which didn’t have a name yet – was posted online. Tim Parish and I talked about three different card sets and two other topics in under 30 minutes, if you can believe that. Now, it takes us 30 minutes just to get through the small talk at the start of the show. 

This year is technically the 10th anniversary of the podcast. I say “technically” because we released 25 episodes from mid-2015 to mid-2017, then the show went away for two years. 

So, is it REALLY a 10-year anniversary? Continue reading “The Puck Junk Podcast is 10 Years Old”

Gretzky Gloves and Sittler Sweater Up for Bid

Two Pieces of NHL History are for Sale

Wayne Gretzky gloves & Darryl Sittler jersey

Two historic pieces of game-used memorabilia are currently up for bid at Grey Flannel Auctions. Either of these pieces would make a fantastic centerpiece of a game-used hockey collection.

Continue reading “Gretzky Gloves and Sittler Sweater Up for Bid”

Clemente’s Corner: Will These Gretzky Records Fall? Get These Cards Now!

Last month, Alex Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky’s record for most career NHL goals during the regular season – a record that The Great One held for over 30 years. Ovechkin breaking the record was celebrated across the league and highlighted the close of the regular season.

As we get closer to the National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago, many collectors are working on their want lists. Looking ahead, some of Gretzky’s other records could potentially be broken. So now is a great chance to buy rookie cards of players that very few are paying attention to. Staying ahead of these trends by buying the right cards now could pay off in the end; not just financially, but in the thrill of being a part of hockey history in the making.

Here are three of Gretzky’s records that could be broken in the next few years, and the hockey cards you should buy now.

Continue reading “Clemente’s Corner: Will These Gretzky Records Fall? Get These Cards Now!”

Can Ovechkin Save Extended Series?

Will Hype and Hope Help the Often-Overlooked Set?

Upper Deck announced that Alexander Ovechkin has autographed eight copies of this 2005-06 Young Guns rookie cards, which will be randomly found in packs of 2024-25 Upper Deck Extended Series. Each card will bear Ovie’s autograph in bright blue ink and be hand numbered out of 8. These are original Young Guns cards that Upper Deck purchased to get signed (a.k.a. “buybacks.”)

Will the hype and hope of pulling an autographed Ovechkin Young Guns rookie card give Extended Series that push it needs?

Continue reading “Can Ovechkin Save Extended Series?”

Clemente’s Corner: Alex Ovechkin’s Record-Breaking Goal Fuels Demand for His Memorabilia

Alex Ovechkin’s historic achievement of becoming the NHL’s all-time leading scorer has not only captured the attention of hockey fans around the world – but also sparked a surge of interest in his memorabilia and collectibles. 

Since surpassing the legendary Wayne Gretzky’s longstanding record of 894 goals on April 6, Ovechkin’s impact on the market for sports memorabilia has been nothing short of remarkable, with fans, collectors — and, yes, investors — alike all very eager to get their hands on a piece of hockey history.

Continue reading “Clemente’s Corner: Alex Ovechkin’s Record-Breaking Goal Fuels Demand for His Memorabilia”

Will Tariffs Affect the Price of Hockey Cards?

And You Thought Cards Already Cost Too Much

Recently, a Puck Junk Podcast listener asked me if the “Trade War” tariffs that are being imposed on goods imported into the United States and in Canada will affect the price of hockey cards.

Continue reading “Will Tariffs Affect the Price of Hockey Cards?”

Clemente’s Corner: The 3 Best and 3 Worst NHL Jerseys from the 1990s

1995-96 Leaf Limited #1 - Mario Lemieux

NHL jerseys hold significant value both for teams and collectors alike, offering fans a unique opportunity to express their allegiance in fresh ways.

During the 1990s, several NHL teams experimented with “third jerseys” that would be worn on special occasions, while other teams completely changed its logo, its color scheme – or both. Quite a few new designs made their debut on the ice that decade – and not all of them were memorable in a good way. 

For collectors, these jerseys are highly coveted because of their rarity and limited availability. This exclusivity adds to their allure and potential value.

At the same time, alternate jerseys also serve as a bridge between nostalgia and modernity, allowing collectors to own a piece of both the present and the past. Whether it’s a throwback to a classic design or a cutting-edge reimagining, these sweaters capture a snapshot of a team’s identity at a specific time in NHL history.

With that, let’s start with the best …

Continue reading “Clemente’s Corner: The 3 Best and 3 Worst NHL Jerseys from the 1990s”

4 Nations Face-Off Delivered What it Promised

Does This Mean the End of the All-Star Game?

Like pretty much every other hockey fan, I was excited about the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament that the NHL held instead of its usual NHL All-Star Game Weekend.

I watched as many games live as I could, and even recorded games that conflicted with my night classes so I could watch them on “tape delay” when I got home that night. (I took extra care to NOT go on social media while on break from class, on my commute home, or while I was watching a game that was about over by the time I started watching it. No spoilers for this guy.) 

So exciting was the tournament that even non-hockey fans were talking about it. Continue reading “4 Nations Face-Off Delivered What it Promised”

Blake’s Takes: 4 Nations Face-Off Proves Hockey is Better than Hoops

NHL Goes Toe-to-Toe with NBA – and Wins!

After a three-year-plus hiatus, I’m back. After watching the entirety of the NHL’s 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, I had to share my thoughts on the tournament with the hockey community. 

First off, it’s great to be back. I’m always grateful for Sal and the opportunity to write for Puck Junk. 

Second, what a freaking tournament! Continue reading “Blake’s Takes: 4 Nations Face-Off Proves Hockey is Better than Hoops”