1969-70 O-Pee-Chee Bill Collins #126 Rookie Card Minnesota North Stars GOOD 2

Description

1969-70 O-Pee-Chee Bill Collins #126 Rookie Card Minnesota North Stars GOOD 2 The 1969-70 O-Pee-Chee Bill Collins #126 Rookie Card Minnesota North Stars GOOD 2 is a true expansion-era collectible with a crisp action pose, strong team colour, and the honest wear many collectors associate with cards that were enjoyed in their own time. Collins leans forward in the North Stars’ original green uniform, framed by the set’s black hockey-stick motif, red player name typography, and blue wing medallion. It is a vivid piece of late 1960s design and an accessible rookie card from the early history of Minnesota’s first NHL franchise. Ottawa-born William Earl Collins was a versatile forward whose speed and defensive awareness helped him establish a lengthy big-league career. Minnesota selected him during the 1967 NHL Expansion Draft, and the opportunity allowed him to become a full-time NHL player. Collins developed into a useful checking forward and penalty killer who could line up at wing or centre. He later played for the Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, and Washington Capitals, finishing with 768 NHL games, 157 goals, 154 assists, and 311 points. His 1969-70 season was especially notable for a 29-goal performance that included nine shorthanded goals, evidence of the defensive pressure and opportunistic scoring that defined his game. As Collins’ recognized rookie card, number 126 provides an appealing entry point for collectors building player runs or expansion-team collections. The reverse adds period charm with bilingual biographical text, a cartoon describing Collins as a fan favourite, and his NHL totals through 1968-69. This is a Canadian O-Pee-Chee card with English and French bilingual copy and Printed in Canada along the side. It is not a puzzle back. The front has generally respectable centering, appearing approximately 52/48 from left to right, and the player image remains colourful and easy to display. Every corner shows rounding and exposed fibres. The upper-left corner has an evident bend or crease, and additional wrinkling appears near the upper edge and lower corners. Edge chipping is visible around the cream border, with the heaviest wear along the top and bottom. The image area contains scattered scuffing, scratches, and age-related surface marks. On the back, the upper-right region shows a network of fine wrinkles or creases, and both lower corners are rounded with visible paper wear. Whitening, tiny chips, and abrasions continue along all four blue edges. Although some fine lines may be emphasized by the protective sleeve, enough structural wear is visible to support a conservative GOOD 2 estimate. The card remains whole and fully legible, with no missing pieces or writing apparent, but repeated corner wear, creasing, and surface abrasion keep it below VG. For a collector who values originality, affordability, and authentic rink-era character, this Bill Collins rookie offers a satisfying link to the first years of the Minnesota North Stars. Grade Estimate: GOOD 2