Who to Collect (In Retrospect) - Justin Peters

Sometimes the road to the NHL is longer than expected for some prospects. There are many unexpected twists and turns in the path to recognition and then stardom. And even when there is a well-defined starter in place like Cam Ward, all a player needs to do is make an impression. If you need an example, check out Craig Anderson's career and where he is today.

Justin Peters is a young goaltender currently playing for the Carolina Hurricanes in the NHL. It's been an interesting journey through many leagues but at the moment he is the starting goaltender for one of the hotter teams in the league, although the 'Canes have no illusions of making the post-season this year.



After Peters was invited to the CHL Top Prospect game as one of the top goalies in the CHL, he was drafted 38th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. He started his professional career in 2006–07 with the Hurricanes' AHL affiliate, the Albany River Rats. He was demoted to the ECHL for parts of the 2007–08 season, but returned to the River Rats in 2008–09. During his ECHL time, he was selected as an ECHL All-Star.

On February 5, 2010, the Carolina Hurricanes recalled Justin Peters to the NHL after Cam Ward suffered an injury. He made his NHL debut for the Carolina Hurricanes on February 6, 2010 starting against the New York Islanders and made 34 saves in a 3-1 victory.



Justin Peters is a big butterfly goalie who possesses superb agility and instincts. A fantastic competitor, he plays consistently and always gives his team a chance to win. In his short time this season, Peters has compiled a record of 6 wins and 2 losses and a stellar .916 save percentage to go with a 2.48 GAA.

Upper Deck Series Two 2008-09 containing Justin Peters Young Gun RCs is out now and available at Canada Card World

Who to Collect (In Retrospect) - Chris Stewart

Chris Stewart was born in Scarborough, Ontario and currently is the hottest player in the NHL as he plays for the Colorado Avalanche. Chris is the younger brother of Anthony Stewart, who plays for the Atlanta Thrashers. Stewart is a big power forward who is a strong skater and is very hard to knock off the puck. He's not afraid to get physical but he has great hands for a big man. Stewart’s size, physicality, and soft hands will make him a force to be reckoned with in the NHL



On June 24, 2006, Stewart was drafted 18th overall in the first round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft by the Colorado Avalanche. Although usually playing in his brother Anthony's shadow, Chris has had much more success in the NHL than his older brother. On December 5, 2008, Stewart received his first NHL call-up by the Avalanche and made his NHL debut in a 2-1 loss to the Dallas Stars. Stewart scored his first NHL goal against the LA Kings a few nights later. On January 21, 2009, Stewart recorded his first Gordie Howe hat trick also against the Kings. During Stewart's 60th game of the 2009-2010 season, he recorded his first career hat trick against the St. Louis Blues. He had two even strength goals and one goal on a penalty shot.



Although he didn't burst onto the scene in his rookie season, his sophomore season has been far from the bust which plagues many players. Stewart has 25 goals and 27 assists in 61 games this season. The newly stocked Avalanche will be a force for years to come with Stewart joining Matt Duchene, Ryan O'Reilly and the newly acquired Peter Mueller.

Chris Stewart has cards in many 2008-09 and 2009-10 products which are available at Canada Card World

Who to Collect (In Retrospect) - Kyle Okposo

Wayne Gretzky and Jari Kurri. Adam Oates and Brett Hull. John Tavares and Kyle Okposo?

There will be a day when these two may join the ranks of the all-time elite. They have the talent. There is no doubt about that. John Tavares has been talked about relentlessly but Kyle Okposo is no stranger to exhibitions of dominating skill.

Drafted 7th overall in 2006, Okposo made his debut with the Islanders in 2007-08 by scoring 5 points in only 9 games. During his first full season in 2008-09, Okposo stepped up his game with 39 points in 65 games. So far this season, Okposo has scored 10 points in his first 14 games. That's a lot of career points for a player who just turned 21 and has not had much of a supporting cast. Now with more media coverage on the New York Islanders, fans are beginning to see this shooting machine with the nifty moves.



As mentioned above, Kyle Okposo is no stranger to being a dominant player as he won the USHL Rookie of the Year, USHL Clark Cup Playoffs MVP, and was a USHL First All-Star Team in 2006 as a 17 year old.

His focal Upper Deck NHL rookie card was his Young Guns RC (#229) which appeared in 2008-09 Upper Deck Series One which is available at Canada Card World

Who to Collect (In Retrospect) - James Neal

James Neal was selected 33rd overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft by the Dallas Stars. Known for hard-hitting style mixed with skill, Neal earned a place on the gold medal winning Canadian World Junior hockey team in 2007. Neal was also chosen for the OHL Western Conference All-Star team and later in the season helped the Plymouth Whalers win the OHL title. He led all scorers with 5 goals in the Memorial Cup final and 25 points in 20 total playoff games.

During his rookie season in 2008-09, James Neal broke the Dallas Stars' franchise record for goals scored by a rookie with 24 goals in total on the season. Currently, Neal is lighting up the score sheet on a consistent basis and is in the top-20 NHL scorers will 7 goals and 7 assists for 14 points after only 12 games this season.

As Neal's scoring skills are starting to take over the spotlight, his first NHL fight was one of historic proportions as he mauled fellow rookie Derrick Brassard. The fight not only bloodied Brassard into submission but it also ended Brassard's promising rookie season.



Upper Deck Series One 2008-09 containing Neal's Young Gun RC is out now and available at Canada Card World

Who to Collect (In Retrospect) - Steven Stamkos

Seems like a no-brainer, right?

Steven Stamkos was selected first overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft and Tampa Bay put on a massive marketing campaign via their 'Seen Stamkos?' website. Although he arrived with great fanfare, Stamkos was heavily criticized for his lack of scoring during the first half of the season and was limited to 10 minutes or less of ice time in many games. In turn, his place in collector's hearts took a downturn as well. Many of his cards suffered on secondary markets and Steve Mason stole the fire of the 08-09 rookie season. Many collectors were wondering if this was all that Stamkos had to offer. Box breaks featuring Stamkos' RCs did not draw much excitement nor did his lacklustre 46 point season.



What many collectors missed out on was that Stamkos finished the season on an impressive run, with 19 points in his final 20 games. He continued to play well at the 2009 IIHF World Championships, combining with fellow Tampa Bay forward Martin St. Louis for 7 goals, 11 points and a plus 9 plus/minus rating. Stamkos has continued this fine play into the 2009-10 season with 6 points in his first 5 games. It's time to take notice again before it's too late and the deals are gone.

Upper Deck Series One 2008-09 containing Stamkos Young Gun RCs is out now and available at Canada Card World