The hockey card market is heating up as the 2026-27 NHL season approaches, and two names are dominating collector attention: Connor Bedard and Gavin McKenna. Bedard, the Chicago Blackhawks' generational talent, has a new contract and a potential breakout season ahead. McKenna, the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, already has a solid collector base after appearing at the National Sports Collectors Convention.
Here is a deep dive into the next generation of hockey card stars and which cards Canadian collectors should be targeting.
Connor Bedard: The Generational Talent
Connor Bedard entered the NHL as the most hyped rookie since Connor McDavid, and his card market reflects that. After being drafted first overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2023, Bedard's rookie cards have been among the most chased in the hockey card market.
The New Contract
Bedard signed a new contract with the Blackhawks, and with additional roster help around him, all eyes will be on him throughout the 2026-27 season. Many fans in Chicago hope the Blackhawks can break their six-year playoff drought in Bedard's fourth full season.
Beckett placed Bedard on its Hot List for the week of August 3, 2026, noting that "collectors are gearing up for a potential breakout season."
Key Bedard Cards to Target
1. 2023-24 Upper Deck Young Guns #BK1 — The foundational Bedard rookie card. PSA 10 examples currently trade around $400. This is the card every hockey collector wants. 2. 2023-24 Upper Deck The Cup RPA (Rookie Patch Autograph) /99 — Premium patch autograph card. Low population and high demand make this the grail for Bedard collectors. 3. 2023-24 Upper Deck Artifacts Rookie Auto /399 — More accessible autograph option with multiple parallels. 4. 2023-24 Upper Deck Series 1 Young Guns Variations — Short-printed variation Young Guns that carry significant premiums over the base.
Investment Case for Bedard
According to Hall of Cards' hockey card ROI analysis:
- Current: 2023 Young Guns PSA 10 at $400
- Target: $1,500-2,000 by 2028-2030
- Rationale: Generational talent, early career, undervalued vs basketball/football equivalents
- Risk: Must deliver on hype (50+ points rookie year minimum)
The key comparison: equivalent basketball rookie cards (like Victor Wembanyama Prizm) trade at $12,500+ for PSA 10s. Bedard's $400 PSA 10 Young Guns represents significant upside if he delivers on his potential.
Gavin McKenna: The #1 Overall Pick
Gavin McKenna was selected first overall in the 2026 NHL Draft and was among about 20 NHL prospects Upper Deck invited to its booth at the National Sports Collectors Convention. Judging by how many collectors followed McKenna everywhere he walked in the booth, he already has a solid collector base.
Why McKenna Matters
The top overall pick in any NHL draft automatically becomes one of the most chased rookie cards for that season. McKenna will be under the microscope all season as he tries to become the league's next big star.
Key McKenna Cards to Watch
McKenna's rookie cards will come from 2026-27 Upper Deck products:
1. 2026-27 Upper Deck Series 1 Young Guns — The first McKenna Young Guns will be the most chased card of the set 2. 2026-27 Upper Deck The Cup RPA — Premium patch autograph, typically numbered to 99 or lower 3. 2026-27 Upper Deck Artifacts — Early-season release with rookie autographs 4. 2026-27 Upper Deck SP Authentic — Future Watch rookie autographs, historically among the most valuable rookie cards
Strategy for McKenna Cards
- Buy early in the season — Young Guns prices peak at release and drop as more supply enters the market
- Target PSA 10s — Graded examples carry significant premiums, especially for first overall picks
- Hold for 2-3 years — First overall picks typically see their best returns after establishing themselves in the league
Other Young Hockey Stars to Watch
Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche)
Makar signed a contract extension with the Avalanche, cementing his status as the league's premier defenseman. His Young Guns and premium parallels remain strong investments.
- Key card: 2017-18 Upper Deck Young Guns #499
- PSA 9 value: $150-250
- PSA 10 value: $400-600
- Rationale: Established Norris Trophy winner, consistent performance, Canadian
Jack Hughes (New Jersey Devils)
Hughes has been undervalued during recent slumps, creating a buying opportunity. When healthy, he's one of the most dynamic forwards in the league.
- Key card: 2019-20 Upper Deck Young Guns
- Strategy: Buy during injury-related price dips, sell when he returns to form
Aleksander Barkov (Florida Panthers)
Barkov is one of the league's most consistent two-way centers. His cards are undervalued relative to his on-ice impact.
- Key card: 2014-15 Upper Deck Young Guns
- Strategy: Long-term hold for Selke Trophy-quality play
The Young Guns Premium
Upper Deck's Young Guns rookie cards are the defining modern hockey rookie treatment. They are to hockey what Panini Prizm is to basketball — the baseline rookie card that every collector wants.
Why Young Guns Matter
1. Exclusivity — Upper Deck is the exclusive NHL trading card partner, meaning Young Guns are the only true NHL-licensed rookie cards 2. Recognition — Young Guns are universally recognized in the hockey card market 3. Population data — PSA population reports allow collectors to track scarcity 4. Liquidity — Young Guns PSA 10s are among the most liquid hockey cards on the market
PSA 10 Gem Rate
The gem rate (percentage of submissions that receive a PSA 10) is a critical metric for Young Guns. A low gem rate means fewer PSA 10s exist, which drives up the price premium over PSA 9s.
For Bedard's 2023-24 Young Guns, the gem rate is moderate — enough to maintain liquidity but low enough to keep PSA 10s valuable. Centering is the most common reason for grades below 10.
Hockey Card Investment Returns
According to Hall of Cards' analysis, hockey cards offer 8-12% annual returns for informed collectors. While this is lower than basketball or football in absolute terms, hockey offers several advantages:
Advantages of Hockey Card Investing
1. Less competition — Fewer collectors means less bidding competition for key cards 2. International demand — Canadian, European, and Russian collectors provide demand stability 3. Canadian dollar advantage — Canadian collectors can buy locally without exchange rate concerns 4. Loyal collector base — Hockey collectors tend to hold cards longer, creating price stability
What to Avoid in Hockey Card Investing
- Defensemen and goalies — Minimal appreciation compared to forwards
- Overhyped rookies at peak prices — Buy before the hype, not after
- Mass-produced base cards — Focus on Young Guns, numbered parallels, and autographs
How to Build a Hockey Card Portfolio
Conservative Portfolio ($1,000)
- 2x Connor Bedard Young Guns PSA 10 ($400 each) — $800
- 1x Cale Makar Young Guns PSA 9 ($200) — $200
- Total: $1,000
Growth Portfolio ($5,000)
- 3x Connor Bedard Young Guns PSA 10 ($400 each) — $1,200
- 1x Connor Bedard The Cup RPA /99 ($2,000) — $2,000
- 2x Cale Makar Young Guns PSA 10 ($500 each) — $1,000
- 5x Gavin McKenna 2026-27 Young Guns raw ($40 each) — $200
- 2x Jack Hughes Young Guns PSA 10 ($300 each) — $600
- Total: $5,000
Speculative Portfolio ($10,000)
- 5x Connor Bedard Young Guns PSA 10 ($400 each) — $2,000
- 2x Connor Bedard The Cup RPA /99 ($2,000 each) — $4,000
- 1x 1979 OPC Wayne Gretzky Rookie PSA 4 ($3,000) — $3,000
- 10x Gavin McKenna 2026-27 Young Guns raw ($40 each) — $400
- 2x Cale Makar Premium Parallel /99 ($300 each) — $600
- Total: $10,000
Where to Buy Hockey Cards in Canada
- Card Source Canada — Browse our hockey card inventory with Canada-wide shipping
- Sport Card Expo Toronto — Twice yearly at the International Centre in Mississauga
- Local card shops — Support local businesses and see cards in person
- eBay — Largest secondary market, check seller feedback carefully
- Upper Deck e-Pack — Digital-to-physical platform with exclusive content
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most valuable Connor Bedard rookie card?
The 2023-24 Upper Deck The Cup Rookie Patch Autograph (RPA) numbered to 99 or less is the most valuable Bedard rookie card. His 2023-24 Young Guns in PSA 10 is the most liquid and widely recognized.
When will Gavin McKenna rookie cards be available?
McKenna's rookie cards will appear in 2026-27 Upper Deck products, starting with Series 1 (typically released in November) and continuing through The Cup and other premium releases.
Are hockey cards a good investment?
Hockey cards offer 8-12% annual returns for informed collectors. They have less competition than basketball or football, with international demand providing stability. Focus on generational forwards and Young Guns PSA 10s for best results.
What are Young Guns cards?
Young Guns are Upper Deck's flagship rookie card brand, featured in Upper Deck Series 1 and Series 2 hockey products. They are the most recognized and collected hockey rookie cards in the market.
