TTM: Curtis Sanford

  This return was a bit different.  I sent to Curtis Sanford c/o the Columbus Blue Jackets.  I sent him a total of 4 cards and 2 copies of the same picture.  I offered a copy of the picture and 2 cards for him to keep.  I even put the two cards in a plastic sleeve together and a post it note telling him to keep them.  In the end he return all four cards and both copies of the pictures signed.  The SASE threw me for a loop.  Mr. Sanford took his fanmail back with him to Ontario, peeled the USA stamps off and put a Canadian stamp on it. So there's a lot going on on this return, compare to most.  The effort Mr. Sanford put in is appreciated, especially considering that he has signed on to play overseas in the KHL for next season.

  Mr. Sanford was signed as an undrafted free agent by the St. Louis Blues in 2000.  He made his debut in the 2002-03, a season in which the St. Louis Blues used 7 different goalies.  While in St. Louis, injuries seemed to continually derail his chances at taking over the #1 spot.  In 2007, Sandford signed with the Vancouver Canucks as a back-up to Roberto Loungo.  Late in the 2008-09 season, Sanford was sent to the AHL.  Over the next 2 1/2 seasons, he went 52-27-8, with a 1.98 GAA and .925 save percentage.  In 2011, he signed a one year deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets.  Sanford outplayed starter Chris Mason but minor injuries once again hampered Sanford as he finished the season on injury reserve.  An UFA this off-season, Sanford was quick to sign on with another team... in the KHL.  Sanford will play on Lokomotiv Yaroslavl.  Lokomotiv took the 2011-12 KHL season off , after the horrific plane crash that claimed the lives of all passengers.