Further Shakedowns at Upper Deck - O-Pee-Chee Metal Gets a (Welcomed) Last-Second Makeover

Read into this as you will, but Blowout cards has just posted the following:

In an attempt to relieve some of the congestion in the upcoming NHL release calendar, we have decided to cancel the release of 09-10 OPC Metal NHL. However, because the OPC brand has such a large and very loyal following, we have decided to take the base OPC cards that were to be a part of the OPC Metal product and create a 09-10 OPC Update factory set. This set will contain the complete 200 cards that finish the set (cards 601-800), and each set will also include a small number of random foil parallel cards of the update set as well.

Fact sheets will be sent out shortly, which will detail price and configuration of the new product. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause, however we feel that this is the prudent move as we look ahead into the next few months. The sets will be allocated. It is our intention to get this update set out by the end of April.

More details to follow……

A couple of thoughts:

* This is the way the set should have been in the first place. I bought all of one pack last year because I thought I wanted to build the Topps Traded-esque update set. Big mistake. The chrome Metal cards made up most of the pack. And judging by the soft prices of last year's boxes, I believe I wasn't alone in my frustration. In fact, I know others felt the same way.


* If this is truly a move "to relieve some of the congestion," it's Upper Deck's own damn fault. Note to McWilliam, your co-exclusive doesn't start until next year. You're the Lone Ranger right now and you're the one who makes up the entire hockey card calendar.


I'm actually happy by this announcement. Although I'm somewhat sour towards this year's O-Pee-Chee set, it is my intention to eventually build it.