Connor Bedard is the most hyped hockey rookie of the modern era — a generational talent whose card market has drawn comparisons to Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby. From the iconic Young Guns rookie card to the legendary Outburst Gold 1/1 with its $1 million bounty, Bedard's rookie cards span multiple Upper Deck products with values ranging from $5 to seven figures. This guide covers every Bedard rookie card, current market values, grading data, and investment outlook for Canadian collectors in 2026.
Why Connor Bedard Cards Matter
Bedard was drafted first overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2023 NHL Draft, instantly becoming the face of one of hockey's most storied franchises. His rookie season lived up to the hype — he won the Calder Memorial Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year and became the youngest player in NHL history to reach 20 goals in a season. For card collectors, Bedard represents the closest thing to a Crosby-level rookie card event the hobby has seen in nearly two decades.
What makes Bedard's card market unique is the depth of products available. Unlike many rookies who appear in only a few sets, Bedard's rookie cards span the entire 2023-24 Upper Deck lineup, from the affordable Series 1 Young Guns to the premium The Cup rookie patch autographs. This gives collectors at every budget level a way to own a piece of Bedard rookie history.
The Iconic 2023-24 Upper Deck Young Guns Rookie Card
The 2023-24 Upper Deck Young Guns rookie card (#451) is the centerpiece of the Bedard card market. Young Guns is the most iconic NHL rookie card series — it's the card that most collectors associate with "Bedard rookie card" and the one that drives the most secondary market activity.
Current Market Values (July 2026)
- Raw (ungraded): ~$199 (last sale July 5, 2026, down 7.6% over 30 days)
- PSA 9: ~$241-$275
- PSA 10: ~$1,500-$3,500+
- BGS 9.5: ~$800-$1,200
The PSA 10 premium is enormous — roughly 7-15x the raw value. This is because the Young Guns card is notoriously difficult to grade at PSA 10 due to centering issues and surface print lines common in Upper Deck's mass-produced flagship product. The gap between PSA 9 and PSA 10 is where the real investment opportunity lies for condition-savvy collectors.
Young Guns Parallels
Beyond the base Young Guns, there are several parallels that command significant premiums:
- Young Guns Exclusives /100 — A major premium parallel, typically selling for $500-$1,500 depending on grade
- Young Guns High Gloss /10 — Extremely rare, selling for $1,000-$3,000+
- Young Guns Canvas — A fan-favorite alternate art variant, PSA 10s selling for $400-$800
- Young Guns Outburst — A short-printed parallel with foil treatment
- Young Guns Outburst Gold 1/1 — The Holy Grail, with a public $1 million bounty from Dave & Adam's Card World
The Outburst Gold 1/1 has not been found as of mid-2026, and the $1 million bounty remains active. If found and sold at that price, it would become the third most expensive hockey card ever sold, behind only two Wayne Gretzky rookie cards.
Complete Bedard Rookie Card Guide by Product
2023-24 Upper Deck Series 1 and Series 2
The flagship Upper Deck product is where most collectors start. Series 1 was released in November 2023, with Series 2 following in March 2024. The Young Guns rookie card appears in Series 2 (card #451). Beyond the Young Guns, Series 2 also features Bedard in several insert sets:
- Dazzlers insert — selling $60-$600 for Bedard
- 94-95 Gold Die Cut insert — premium chase card
- O-Pee-Chee Marquee Rookies — selling over $100 (vs $10-$20 for typical OPC rookies)
The Dazzlers insert is particularly notable because Bedard's version sells for 10-60x more than the same insert for other players, including Connor McDavid. This "Bedard premium" extends across virtually every product where he appears.
2023-24 Upper Deck SP Authentic Hockey
SP Authentic features the Future Watch rookie autograph set, which is one of the most respected rookie auto lines in hockey. The Bedard Future Watch autograph is a premium card:
- Raw: $500-$1,500
- PSA 10 + PSA 10 Auto: $2,000-$5,000+
- Numbered parallels: $3,000-$15,000+ depending on print run
SP Authentic is a priority card for serious Bedard collectors because it combines a rookie card with an on-card autograph — the two most desirable attributes in the hobby.
2023-24 Upper Deck The Cup Hockey
The Cup is hockey's premium product, and Bedard's rookie patch autographs (RPAs) from The Cup are the most valuable cards in his rookie portfolio:
- Base RPA /99: $3,000-$8,000
- Numbered parallels /25 or less: $8,000-$25,000+
- 1/1 Black RPA: potentially $50,000-$100,000+
The Cup RPAs are the trophy cards of the Bedard rookie market. They combine a rookie card, an on-card autograph, and a game-used jersey patch — the three most valuable components in a single card. For high-end collectors, a Bedard Cup RPA is the ultimate acquisition.
2023-24 Upper Deck Black Diamond Hockey
Black Diamond offers another premium Bedard rookie option:
- Base rookie: $50-$150
- Gold parallel /1: last sold for $2,357 (January 2026)
While not as prestigious as The Cup, Black Diamond provides a more accessible entry point into premium Bedard rookies.
2023-24 Upper Deck Extended Series
The Extended Series (formerly called Series 3) includes additional Bedard cards, including the Extended Series Young Guns and the Gold Outburst 1/1 Draft Day Rookie — the card that sparked the $1 million bounty hunt. One collector pulled a 1/1 Gold Outburst Bedard from Extended Series through a WhatNot break, and the card has generated offers potentially making it a top-5 hockey card sale of all time.
2023-24 Upper Deck Tim Hortons Hockey
Bedard also appears in the 2023-24 Tim Hortons hockey card set, making him one of the few players with rookie cards across both premium hobby products and mass-market food-issue releases. Tim Hortons Bedard cards are affordable entry points for casual collectors, with base cards selling for $5-$15 and inserts for $10-$50.
Investment Outlook: Should You Invest in Bedard Cards?
The Bull Case
- Generational talent — Bedard's skill level and hockey IQ justify the hype. He's projected to be a perennial 40+ goal scorer and franchise cornerstone.
- Chicago market — The Blackhawks are one of the NHL's largest-market teams, ensuring consistent demand for Bedard cards.
- Iconic rookie cards — The Young Guns is already established as a modern iconic rookie card, ensuring long-term liquidity.
- Finite supply — 2023-24 Upper Deck products are out of print. No new Bedard rookie cards will ever be produced.
- Canadian collector base — As a Canadian-born star, Bedard has built-in demand from Canadian collectors.
The Bear Case
- Price already reflects hype — Bedard cards are priced for perfection. Any underperformance could lead to price corrections.
- Market volatility — The 30-day price change on the raw Young Guns is -7.6%, suggesting some cooling from peak prices.
- Injury risk — Hockey is a physical sport, and any significant injury could impact card values.
- Competition from future rookies — The next generational rookie (like Matthew Schaefer in 2025-26) could divert collector attention and budget.
Investment Recommendation
For Canadian collectors considering Bedard as an investment, the best strategy depends on budget:
- Budget ($200-$500): Buy a raw Young Guns in the best condition you can find. Look for strong centering, sharp corners, and clean surfaces. Consider submitting to PSA for grading — a PSA 10 multiplies value 7-15x.
- Mid-range ($500-$2,000): Target a PSA 10 Young Guns or a raw SP Authentic Future Watch auto. These are the most liquid Bedard investment cards.
- High-end ($2,000+): Focus on The Cup RPAs or low-numbered SP Authentic autos. These have the highest ceiling but also the highest risk.
How to Spot a Strong PSA 10 Candidate
If you're buying raw Bedard cards with the intent to grade, here's what to look for:
- Centering: 55/45 or better on all sides. Centering is the #1 reason Young Guns get PSA 9 instead of 10.
- Corners: All four corners should be sharp with no visible wear under 10x magnification.
- Surface: No print lines, scratches, or dimples. Upper Deck's foil stock is prone to surface defects.
- Edges: Clean white edges with no chipping or fraying.
- Print quality: Look for strong color registration and no ghosting on the foil elements.
Even with perfect condition, PSA 10 is not guaranteed. The Young Guns population report shows significantly more PSA 9s than PSA 10s, reflecting the difficulty of achieving a gem mint grade on this product.
Where to Buy Bedard Cards in Canada
- Card Source Canada — Shop our inventory of Bedard rookie cards, Young Guns, and graded slabs with Canada-wide shipping.
- eBay — The largest marketplace for Bedard cards. Always check seller feedback and use eBay's authentication service for high-value purchases.
- Card shows — Canadian card shows are great for finding raw Bedard cards and negotiating prices.
- Group breaks — Join a Blackhawks spot in a break for a chance at Bedard hits from premium products.
- COMC — Check COMC for fixed-price Bedard cards with the convenience of consolidated shipping.
Building a Bedard PC (Personal Collection)
For collectors building a Bedard PC, here's a priority list:
- Young Guns base in PSA 10 — The foundation of any Bedard PC
- Canvas parallel in PSA 10 — A value parallel with strong demand
- SP Authentic Future Watch auto — The premium Bedard auto rookie
- Exclusives /100 — The chase card for serious collectors
- The Cup RPA — The trophy card for high-end collectors
Start with what you can afford and build over time. The Young Guns base is the most important card — it's the one every Bedard collector needs, and it will always be the most liquid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most valuable Connor Bedard rookie card?
The 2023-24 Upper Deck The Cup rookie patch autograph (RPA) is the most valuable Bedard rookie card. Base RPAs /99 sell for $3,000-$8,000, while low-numbered parallels can reach $25,000+. The Outburst Gold 1/1 Young Guns has a $1 million bounty but has not been found.
How much is a Connor Bedard Young Guns worth?
As of July 2026, raw Young Guns sell for ~$199, PSA 9 for ~$241-$275, and PSA 10 for ~$1,500-$3,500+. The value depends heavily on condition and grade.
Is the Bedard Young Guns a good investment?
The Bedard Young Guns is considered one of the most iconic modern hockey rookie cards. While prices have cooled slightly from peak, the finite supply and Bedard's status as a generational talent suggest long-term value. PSA 10 copies have the best investment potential due to the significant grading premium.
Where can I buy Connor Bedard rookie cards in Canada?
Card Source Canada carries Bedard rookie cards with domestic shipping. You can also find Bedard cards on eBay, at Canadian card shows, and through group breaks. For graded cards, check COMC and PWCC Marketplace.
Bedard vs. Other Generational Hockey Rookies
To understand Bedard's card market, it's helpful to compare him to other generational hockey rookies:
Connor McDavid (2015-16)
McDavid's 2015-16 Upper Deck Young Guns rookie card is the modern benchmark for hockey card values. A PSA 10 McDavid Young Guns has sold for $10,000-$15,000 at peak. McDavid's cards benefited from a weaker rookie card market — fewer products, less competition for collector dollars. Bedard's cards are more widely distributed across products, which means more supply but also more accessibility for collectors at every budget.
Sidney Crosby (2005-06)
Crosby's 2005-06 rookie cards were produced during the pre-Young Guns era, making his Parkhurst Rookie and Upper Deck Ice rookie cards the primary chase cards. Crosby's cards have had nearly two decades to appreciate, and his two Stanley Cup championships and multiple MVP awards have sustained values. Bedard is at the beginning of his career arc — his cards could follow a similar trajectory if he achieves comparable team and individual success.
Auston Matthews (2016-17)
Matthews' Young Guns rookie card has been a solid performer, with PSA 10s selling for $500-$1,500. Matthews demonstrates that even elite NHL players don't always reach McDavid-level card values. Bedard's card values currently exceed Matthews' at the same career stage, reflecting the higher hype level, but long-term values will depend on performance.
Matthew Schaefer (2025-26)
Schaefer was drafted first overall in the 2025 NHL Draft and his 2025-26 Upper Deck Young Guns rookie card is the next generational chase. The emergence of Schaefer as a competing rookie card narrative could divert some collector budget from Bedard cards, potentially stabilizing or slightly reducing Bedard prices. However, the hockey card market has grown enough to support multiple superstar rookie card markets simultaneously.
Grading Strategy for Bedard Cards
If you own raw Bedard cards and are considering grading, here's a strategic approach:
Which Bedard Cards to Grade
- Young Guns base — Always worth grading if the card looks like a PSA 9 or 10 candidate. The grading premium is enormous (7-15x for PSA 10 vs raw).
- Young Guns Canvas — Worth grading if centering is strong. Canvas cards tend to have fewer surface issues than the foil base cards.
- Young Guns Exclusives /100 — Definitely grade. The low population plus the grade premium creates maximum value.
- SP Authentic Future Watch Auto — Grade the card and get the auto grade. A PSA 10 + PSA 10 Auto is worth 3-5x a raw copy.
- Tim Hortons inserts — Only worth grading for the toughest inserts (National Selections, Powerhouse Pillars) in pristine condition. Common inserts aren't valuable enough to justify grading costs.
Which Grading Company to Use
For Bedard cards, PSA is the clear first choice. PSA graded Bedard cards command the highest prices and have the most liquid secondary market. BGS is a reasonable alternative if you want subgrades or faster turnaround. SGC is less popular for modern hockey cards but may be preferred for vintage-style cards.
The PSA premium for Bedard cards is approximately 10-25% over BGS for the same grade. This means a PSA 10 Bedard Young Guns might sell for $2,500 while a BGS 9.5 sells for $1,800-$2,000. Always factor in this premium when deciding which grading company to use.
Market Timing: When to Buy and Sell Bedard Cards
Like all sports card markets, Bedard card values fluctuate based on performance, season timing, and market sentiment. Here are the key timing factors:
- Off-season (summer) — Prices typically dip during the NHL off-season when there's less news and excitement. This is generally the best time to buy.
- Season start (October) — Prices often rise as the new season begins and collector interest returns.
- Hot streaks — When Bedard goes on a scoring streak, card values can spike within hours. If you're selling, capitalize on these moments.
- All-Star Game and playoffs — Major NHL events drive collector interest and card values. Bedard's first playoff appearance could be a significant value catalyst.
- New product releases — When new Upper Deck products are released, they don't create new Bedard rookie cards (his rookies are only from 2023-24 products), but they do generate general hockey card interest that can lift all Bedard card values.
For long-term holders, the best strategy is often to buy during summer dips and hold through the season. For flippers, watch for hot streaks and sell into the excitement when prices spike.
