OLD SCHOOL GREATNESS

Wayne Gretzky

The Great One paid attention when the master, Gordie Howe, explained to him the importance of offering a quality autograph, and he’s consistently delivered throughout his career. He doesn’t sign in great quantity these days, but you know that if you pull (or buy) one of his certified autos, you’ll benefit from the same commitment to excellence that defined his unparalleled career.

Bobby Orr

Honestly, his ‘graph is even better than Gretzky’s. He lays down the same every-letter gem that he did back in 1967, one that pays tribute to a time when penmenship was taught in schools and players understood what that autograph meant to the kid receiving it.

Dominik Hasek

The legendary netminder is the rare Czech signer who offers two distinct names in his ‘graph (Jaromir Jagr is another outlier). There’s a real sense of Cold War-era Eastern European panache to it that makes for an exciting pull.

Manon Rheaume

Always a treat to pull an auto from the trailblazing goaltender who has made a career out of showing the boys how it’s done. Outside of a serial-numbered Goodwin Champions parallel for which she curiously shortened her sig to Manny, Rheaume reliably offers an every-letter auto of enviable quality. When given a bit more room, as she was on some Leaf offerings this season, it looks even better than it does on this example.

Willie O’Ree

At 84, O’Ree’s signing hand isn’t quite as steady as in years past. Still, the legendary Bruin (who should be in the Hall of Fame – can we please get that taken care of?) manages to deliver a dignified, every-letter sig that no serious collection should be without.