Sometimes, the term “cutting edge” can be a figurative description; sometimes, it’s meant to be literal. In the rarest of circumstances, though, it’s both — and that’s certainly the case with Panini America’s 2013-14 National Treasures Hockey. One of the most anticipated trading cards releases of this or any other year has generated considerable pre-release buzz already — and the product isn’t slated to release until late August.
Today, we’re showcasing yet more images that serve to substantiates the hype: The cutting-edge (literally and figuratively) and quite brilliant Treasured Steel insert featuring pieces of acetate-encased game-used skate blades from some of the best players in the NHL.
From the beginning of its tenure in the NHL, one of Panini America’s primary goals with all of its releases has been to bring passionate hockey fans as close to the action on the ice as possible — and it gets no closer than Treasured Steel, which incorporates skate blades that have gone from carving NHL ice to being carved themselves for placement into rare cards honoring the likes of Alex Ovechkin, Adam Henrique, Joe Nieuwendyk and more.
The 13-card Treasured Steel checklist will include both base (limited to five) and autographed (limited to only one) versions. In the gallery the follows, we show you some of each. As you might imagine, the sheer weight of skate blades makes these cards a little more substantial than your normal cardboard trading card. They’re a heavy metal — and they rock.
Enjoy the gallery and stay tuned to The Knight’s Lance for continued coverage of 2013-14 National Treasures Hockey.
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