The Top 10 Hockey Players to Invest In and Why

Hello, collectors! Coleman Bennett here, owner of Ontario’s Card Corner. Hockey cards have always been a cornerstone of the collecting world, and investing in the right players can be both thrilling and profitable. Whether you’re looking for undervalued rookies with untapped potential or established stars poised for even greater recognition, there’s a diverse array of options in today’s market.

Here are the top 10 hockey players to consider investing in right now, ranging from young talents to seasoned pros, along with the reasons why they’re worth adding to your portfolio.

1. Connor Bedard – Chicago Blackhawks

  • Why He’s Hot: Bedard is the most hyped hockey prospect in years, often compared to generational talents like Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby. His dynamic scoring ability and elite vision make him a future superstar.

  • Key Cards:

    • 2023-24 Upper Deck Young Guns.

    • Future Watch Auto /999.

    • Short-printed parallels (e.g., Clear Cut, High Gloss /10).

  • Investment Outlook: Bedard’s cards are already highly sought after, and early investments could yield long-term rewards as his NHL career unfolds.

2. Trevor Zegras – Anaheim Ducks

  • Why He’s Hot: Zegras is one of the NHL’s most electrifying young players, known for his highlight-reel plays and creativity on the ice. As a face of the Ducks’ rebuild, his star power is undeniable.

  • Key Cards:

    • 2021-22 Upper Deck Young Guns.

    • Future Watch Auto /999.

    • SSP inserts such as UD Canvas and SP Authentic Limited.

    • Prizm-style parallels from O-Pee-Chee Platinum.

  • Investment Outlook: Zegras’ cards are affordable compared to more established stars, offering great upside as his career progresses.

3. Cale Makar – Colorado Avalanche

  • Why He’s Hot: Already a Norris Trophy winner and a Stanley Cup champion, Makar is redefining what it means to be an elite defenseman in the modern NHL.

  • Key Cards:

    • 2019-20 Upper Deck Young Guns.

    • The Cup RPA /99.

    • High-end inserts like Ultimate Collection Autos.

    • SSP parallels like Clear Cut Exclusives and Ice Premieres.

  • Investment Outlook: Makar’s cards have significant long-term potential as he continues to build his legacy.

4. Cole Caufield – Montreal Canadiens

  • Why He’s Hot: A pure goal scorer with an infectious energy, Caufield is central to the Canadiens’ future. His ability to light the lamp makes him a fan favorite and a potential scoring champion.

  • Key Cards:

    • 2021-22 Upper Deck Young Guns.

    • Future Watch Auto /999.

    • SSP inserts like UD Canvas and Clear Cut parallels.

    • Memorabilia cards from The Cup or Premier.

  • Investment Outlook: With the Canadiens’ young core improving, Caufield’s cards could see substantial gains.

5. Leon Draisaitl – Edmonton Oilers

  • Why He’s Hot: Often overshadowed by Connor McDavid, Draisaitl is a perennial MVP contender and one of the league’s most consistent scorers.

  • Key Cards:

    • 2014-15 Upper Deck Young Guns.

    • The Cup RPA /99.

    • Mid-tier inserts like SPx Shadowbox or SP Authentic Limited.

  • Investment Outlook: As McDavid’s partner in crime, Draisaitl’s cards offer excellent value with room for appreciation.

6. Matty Beniers – Seattle Kraken

  • Why He’s Hot: Beniers was the first draft pick in Kraken history and is quickly emerging as a franchise cornerstone. His two-way play and leadership qualities make him a safe bet.

  • Key Cards:

    • 2022-23 Upper Deck Young Guns.

    • Future Watch Auto /999.

    • Rare parallels like High Gloss or Exclusives /100.

  • Investment Outlook: The Kraken’s rise as a competitive team will likely boost Beniers’s card values over time.

7. Jack Hughes – New Jersey Devils

  • Why He’s Hot: After a few seasons of development, Hughes is now showcasing the elite talent that made him the first overall pick in 2019. His offensive explosiveness is turning heads across the league.

  • Key Cards:

    • 2019-20 Upper Deck Young Guns.

    • The Cup RPA /99.

    • SSP parallels like O-Pee-Chee Platinum Seismic Gold /50.

    • Premium autographs from Ultimate Collection.

  • Investment Outlook: As the Devils contend for playoff success, Hughes’s market value is expected to grow significantly.

8. Andrei Vasilevskiy – Tampa Bay Lightning

  • Why He’s Hot: Widely regarded as the best goaltender in the NHL, Vasilevskiy has backstopped the Lightning to multiple Stanley Cups and boasts unmatched consistency.

  • Key Cards:

    • 2014-15 Upper Deck Young Guns.

    • Future Watch Auto /999.

    • Rare inserts from SP Authentic.

    • SSP memorabilia cards from The Cup.

  • Investment Outlook: Goalie cards can be undervalued, making Vasilevskiy an intriguing long-term play as his career accolades continue to pile up.

9. Kirill Kaprizov – Minnesota Wild

  • Why He’s Hot: Kaprizov’s arrival in the NHL was nothing short of spectacular. He’s already one of the league’s most dynamic forwards and a focal point for the Wild.

  • Key Cards:

    • 2020-21 Upper Deck Young Guns.

    • The Cup RPA /99.

    • Inserts like UD Canvas.

    • High Gloss /10 or Clear Cut parallels.

  • Investment Outlook: Kaprizov’s international appeal and on-ice brilliance make his cards highly desirable.

10. Shane Wright – Seattle Kraken

  • Why He’s Hot: Once projected as the first overall pick, Wright fell to fourth in the 2022 draft, creating a chip-on-his-shoulder mentality. His potential remains sky-high as he develops.

  • Key Cards:

    • 2022-23 Upper Deck Young Guns.

    • Future Watch Auto /999.

    • High-end parallels like Clear Cut Exclusives.

  • Investment Outlook: Wright’s cards are undervalued, offering a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for patient investors.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re targeting affordable rookies or established stars, hockey offers plenty of investment opportunities for every collector. The key is to research each player, track market trends, and buy strategically. While Young Guns, Future Watch Autos, and The Cup RPAs are staples, don’t overlook SSPs, rare inserts, and parallels, which can also appreciate significantly.

At Ontario’s Card Corner, we’re here to help you navigate the market and find the perfect cards to add to your collection.

Happy collecting!
Coleman Bennett
Owner, Ontario’s Card Corner

 

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