88-89 OPC Tribute; Heatley, Jagr and Lafleur

#34 - Dany Heatley

  With these additions to the 88-89 OPC Tribute set, there are now 49 cards released.  Only 83 more to go.

  Dany Heatley is the first player with a new team to be included in the set, unless you count Dustin Byfgulien becoming a Winnipeg Jet.  Heatley had back-to-back 50 goal season in 2005-06 and 2006-07.  Since then, Heatley's goal totals have declined each season, from 50 to 41 to 39 two years in a row and then 26 goals in 2010-11.  In the offseason Heatley was traded from the San Jose Sharks to the Minesota Wild for Martin Havlat.

#35 - Jaromir Jagr

  After spending 3 years playing in the KHL, Jaromir Jagr decided to make a comeback in the NHL.  Jagr, a future first ballot HHOF, is 9th all-time on the career points list and needs 23 goals to move into the top 10 for goals.  During the summer is was widely believed that Jagr was going to return to Pittsburgh, but in a surprising twist, Jagr spurned Pittsburgh Penguins offer and signed with the rival Philadlphia Flyers instead.  While Jagr's mullet won't be making its return, Jagr's return to Pittsburgh should be an event.

#103 - Guy Lafleur

  Guy Lafleur retired in 1985, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988 and then re-retired in 1991.  Lafleur had retired in 1985 due to issues over ice-time and offensive/defensive responsibilities under coach and former teammate Jacques Lemarie.  After the Montreal Canadiens refuse to act on Lafleur's trade request, Lafleur retired.
  After being inducted into the HHOF, Lalfeur signed a one year deal with the New Yrok Rangers and the played his final two years back in the province of Quebec with the Quebec Nordiques.