SECOND CHANCES

When we miss one, we want to admit it. In our last issue, we highlighted the extremes of the 2019-20 season in signatures, from the most visually appealing autos to those that resembled the scribbles of an angry toddler. Readers, naturally, had a few suggestions of their own to share. And more than a few of you told us that we overlooked a rookie who delivered what might be the absolute best autograph available this season. You’re right. Did we ever. Of course, pretty much everyone overlooked Alexander Volkov this season. e 23-year-old Tampa Bay winger was a bit player in the Lightning’s regular season success, putting up one assist and a minus-6 rating while skating in just nine games. And while he joined them in the bubble, he watched the team’s first 24 playoff games from a press box seat.

en came a call from coach Jon Cooper telling Volkov he was playing in Game 6 of the Final.

It wouldn’t have been fair to expect too much from the 2017 second rounder. A er all, he last saw action 229 days earlier on Feb. 13. But he brought plenty of energy to the lineup, drawing a tripping penalty from Dallas’ John Klingberg in the first period, which was capitalized on with a power-play goal from Brayden Point. A couple of hours later, it was his turn the hoist the Stanley Cup and take a twirl around Edmonton’s Rogers Place.

His performance drew attention to his 2019-20 RCs, proving once again that the playoffs can make anyone into a hobby hero. Of course, it’s hard not to love a guy who puts this much effort into his signature – especially a guy who grew up writing his name in a completely different alphabet.

While we can’t correct that oversight, we have included Volkov in our feature on the 20 best bargains for $20 or less. e story, which starts on pg. 10, takes a look at some of the outstanding values to be had if you’re a budget-conscious collector.

All things considered, we expect to hear that you think we overlooked one or two cards on that list as well.