The 12 Most Valuable Upper Deck Young Guns Hockey Cards

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Since the 2000-01 release of Upper Deck’s Young Guns hockey cards, the series has become the premier source for modern NHL rookie cards. Even as Upper Deck lost licenses in other sports, it has held the NHL license since the early 1990s, making Young Guns rookies a staple of every new hockey season.

While vintage rookie cards from Topps and O-Pee-Chee still carry historical weight, Young Guns cards have become the “go-to” rookie cards for the modern era. Their strong rookie checklists, clean designs, and collector demand — primarily in PSA 10 condition — have pushed many of them into the category of most valuable Upper Deck hockey cards ever released.

In this article, we’ll look at 12 of the most iconic and expensive Young Guns rookie cards, highlight their PSA 10 values, and explain why they continue to dominate modern hockey card conversations.

🔹 Most Valuable Upper Deck Young Guns Rookie Cards (PSA 10)

Player	Year	Card #	PSA 10 Pop	Recent PSA 10 Value (USD)	Notes
Alexander Ovechkin	2005	#443	1,321	~$3,900	NHL’s All-Time Leading Goal Scorer
Connor McDavid	2015	#201	3,137	~$2,400	Widely regarded as the NHL’s top player
Sidney Crosby	2005	#201	1,289	~$3,200	Three-time Stanley Cup champion
Auston Matthews	2016	#201	4,024	~$900	2022 NHL MVP
Leon Draisaitl	2014	#223	1,053	~$700+	Consistent 100+ point seasons
Cale Makar	2019	#493	2,927	~$600	2022 Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe winner
David Pastrnak	2014	#495	N/A	~$620	Key player for the Boston Bruins
Andrei Vasilevskiy	2014	#478	300+	~$300	Two-time Stanley Cup champion goaltender
Marc-Andre Fleury	2003	#234	48	~$2,000	Three-time Stanley Cup champion
Henrik Zetterberg	2002	#234	144	~$800	2008 Stanley Cup champion
Connor Bedard	2023	#451	3000+	~$500	Highly anticipated rookie season
Lane Hutson	2024	#229	650+	~$500	Rapidly rising prospect

Note: PSA 10 populations are based on the latest available data. “N/A” indicates data not readily available.

1. Alexander Ovechkin – 2005 Upper Deck Young Guns Rookie #443

🏒 Overview

Alexander Ovechkin has solidified his legacy as the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer, surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s record with his 895th goal on April 6, 2025. This milestone cements Ovechkin’s status as one of the greatest players in hockey history.

👉 Search 2005 Upper Deck Young Guns Alexander Ovechkin Rookie Cards on eBay

📈 Card Value & Population

• Recent PSA 10 Value: Approximately $3,900
• PSA 10 Population: 1,321
• 2020 PSA 10 Value: Around $400​

The value of Ovechkin’s Young Guns rookie card has experienced significant appreciation, reflecting his on-ice accomplishments and growing collector demand.​

💡 Collector Insight

Despite his monumental achievements, Ovechkin’s rookie card remains a cornerstone for collectors, symbolizing a player who has redefined goal-scoring in the modern era.​

🧠 Investment Outlook

Ovechkin’s continued performance and recent record-breaking feat suggest that his rookie card will maintain strong interest among collectors and investors alike.

2. Connor McDavid – 2015-16 Upper Deck Young Guns Rookie #201

🏒 Overview

Connor McDavid is already considered one of the most gifted players to step on NHL ice. At just 26 years old, he’s a multi-time Hart Trophy (MVP) winner and a perennial leader in both points and assists. His elite speed, vision, and offensive dominance have made him the face of the modern NHL.

👉 Search 2015 Upper Deck Young Guns Connor McDavid Rookie Cards on eBay

📈 Card Value & Population

• Recent PSA 10 Value: ~$2,400
• PSA 10 Population: 3,135
• 2020 PSA 10 Value: ~$1,200

While McDavid’s Young Guns rookie once flirted with $5,000 during the pandemic boom, prices have since cooled, though the card still ranks among the most valuable modern hockey rookies. Due to McDavid’s generational talent, its relatively high pop count hasn’t stopped collectors from chasing it.

💡 Collector Insight

McDavid’s rookie remains the flagship card of the post-2010 hockey era. It’s also a litmus test for market health — when McDavid prices rise, the modern hockey card market usually follows.

🧠 Investment Outlook

Despite the pullback in pricing, McDavid’s Young Guns PSA 10 still has long-term upside, especially if he wins additional MVPs or leads Edmonton to a Stanley Cup. If you’re collecting with future appreciation in mind, this card remains one of the safest bets in hockey.

3. Sidney Crosby – 2005 Upper Deck Young Guns Rookie #201

🏒 Overview

Sidney Crosby entered the NHL in the same season as Alexander Ovechkin and immediately lived up to the enormous hype. Nicknamed “Sid the Kid,” Crosby won the Hart Trophy (MVP) in his second season at age 19. Early in his career, he was frequently compared to Wayne Gretzky due to his vision, passing, and leadership.

Despite missing significant time with injuries in the early 2010s, Crosby still managed to lead the Pittsburgh Penguins to three Stanley Cup titles and has secured his place among the greatest players in NHL history.

👉 Search 2005 Upper Deck Young Guns Sidney Crosby Rookie Cards on eBay

📈 Card Value & Population

• Recent PSA 10 Value: ~$3,200
• PSA 10 Population: 1,289
• Historic Note: One of the most chased modern hockey cards at the time of its release

Crosby’s Young Guns rookie card has long been a cornerstone for hockey collectors. While its value has slightly softened from its peak, it remains one of the most sought-after and iconic hockey rookie cards of the modern era.

💡 Collector Insight

Crosby’s card has generational appeal—it represents a turning point for modern NHL collecting. Whether you’re a Penguins fan, vintage-modern hybrid collector, or investor, this is a must-have cornerstone in any serious hockey portfolio.

🧠 Investment Outlook

With a relatively low population for a modern-era card, strong demand, and Crosby’s legacy firmly intact, this rookie still has plenty of long-term potential. Crosby’s Young Guns remains a solid play if you’re looking for a “blue chip” hockey card to hold.

4. Henrik Zetterberg – 2002 Upper Deck Young Guns Rookie #234

🏒 Overview

Henrik Zetterberg spent his entire 15-season career with the Detroit Red Wings, racking up 960 points and serving as the team’s captain from 2012 until his retirement in 2018. Zetterberg, a two-way force and respected leader, helped guide Detroit to a Stanley Cup championship in 2008, where he also won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.

👉 Search 2002 Upper Deck Young Guns Henrik Zetterberg Rookie Cards on eBay

📈 Card Value & Population

• Recent PSA 10 Value: ~$800–$900
• PSA 10 Population: 144
• Grading Note: Low gem rate — tough to find centered and clean

Zetterberg’s Young Guns rookie is notably difficult to grade, with just 144 PSA 10s in the population. That scarcity makes it a standout among early-2000s hockey rookies and contributes to its higher value relative to similar-tier players.

💡 Collector Insight

While Zetterberg isn’t the flashiest name in the hobby, he’s beloved by Red Wings fans and respected across the NHL. His rookie card has developed a cult following due to the combination of legacy, low pop, and long-term franchise relevance.

🧠 Investment Outlook

Zetterberg narrowly missed Hall of Fame induction in his first year of eligibility — but he’s still widely expected to be enshrined in the near future. If that happens, expect renewed interest in his rookie. With sub-200 PSA 10 supply, this card has long-term collector appeal and substantial upside tied to Hall of Fame speculation.

5. Marc-Andre Fleury – 2003 Upper Deck Young Guns Rookie #234

🏒 Overview

Marc-André Fleury made his NHL debut in the 2003 season with the Pittsburgh Penguins and quickly became a cornerstone for their resurgence. Over the course of his career, he’s won three Stanley Cups, earned a Vezina Trophy (2020–21) with the Vegas Golden Knights, and continues to add to his legacy with over 1,000 games played — a rare feat for an NHL goaltender.

👉 Search 2003 Upper Deck Young Guns Marc-André Fleury Rookie Cards on eBay

📈 Card Value & Population

• Recent PSA 10 Value: ~$2,000
• PSA 10 Population: 48
• PSA 9 Population: 154
• Grading Note: Extremely tough to find centered, clean copies — one of the lowest pop high-grade Young Guns in existence

Fleury’s Young Guns rookie card is notoriously hard to find in top condition, with fewer than 50 total PSA 10 copies. That level of scarcity, especially for a future Hall of Famer, gives the card significant collector and investment appeal.

💡 Collector Insight

Goaltenders don’t always get hobby love, but Fleury’s blend of longevity, winning, and personality has earned him deep collector respect. His Young Guns is arguably the most desirable modern goalie rookie card outside Price or Vasilevskiy.

🧠 Investment Outlook

With less than 50 PSA 10s, Fleury’s rookie card stands out as a rare, high-upside long-term hold, particularly in top condition. A Hall of Fame induction is a lock as his career winds down, and demand for his limited pop rookie card could rise sharply.

6. Auston Matthews – 2016 Upper Deck Young Guns Rookie #201

🏒 Overview

Auston Matthews is one of the NHL’s premier goal scorers and biggest superstars. The Toronto Maple Leafs’ franchise centerpiece, Matthews, won the Hart Trophy (NHL MVP) in 2022 and continues to put up elite offensive numbers year after year. At just 25 years old, he’s already on a clear Hall of Fame trajectory.

👉 Search 2016 Upper Deck Young Guns Auston Matthews Rookie Cards on eBay

📈 Card Value & Population

• Recent PSA 10 Value: ~$900
• PSA 10 Population: 4,024
• 2022 Peak Value: ~$2,000+ during MVP season

Matthews’ Young Guns rookie saw a surge in value following his MVP campaign, and although prices have cooled slightly, it remains one of the most desirable modern hockey rookie cards on the market.

💡 Collector Insight

Matthews’ popularity among Leafs fans and his standing as one of the top offensive talents in the league keep steady pressure on this card. It’s a must-have for any collector focused on the post-2015 era of NHL stars.

🧠 Investment Outlook

While the PSA 10 pop is higher than most vintage or early-modern cards, Matthews’ continued excellence and marketability make this card one of the top non-McDavid investments. If he delivers postseason success in Toronto, expect demand to spike again.

7. Leon Draisaitl – 2014 Upper Deck Young Guns Rookie #223

🏒 Overview

Leon Draisaitl has quietly built a Hall of Fame résumé as one of the most productive offensive players in the NHL. A teammate of Connor McDavid on the Edmonton Oilers, Draisaitl has posted three 100+ point seasons and is well on his way to another. He won the Hart Trophy (MVP) in 2020 and has consistently ranked among the league leaders in goals, assists, and power-play production.

👉 Search 2014 Upper Deck Young Guns Leon Draisaitl Rookie Cards on eBay

📈 Card Value & Population

• Recent PSA 10 Value: ~$700-$800
• PSA 10 Population: 1,053
• Grading Note: Strong gem rate relative to the era

Even with his elite-level performance and individual accolades, Draisaitl’s Young Guns rookie remains undervalued compared to peers like Matthews and McDavid, which could signal long-term opportunity.

💡 Collector Insight

Collectors often overlook Draisaitl due to McDavid’s spotlight, but many hobby veterans see him as one of the best long-term plays in modern hockey, especially if the Oilers break through for a Stanley Cup title.

🧠 Investment Outlook

Draisaitl is firmly on a Hall of Fame path, and his card offers elite production at a discount to the hobby’s bigger names. As appreciation grows for his all-around dominance, this YG rookie has room to climb, especially in PSA 10 condition.

8. Andrei Vasilevskiy – 2014 Upper Deck Young Guns Rookie #478

🏒 Overview

Andrei Vasilevskiy has already built one of the most impressive résumés among active NHL goaltenders. He’s firmly established as a modern goaltending legend with two Stanley Cup championships, a Vezina Trophy, and a Conn Smythe Trophy (2021). At only 28 years old, Vasilevskiy is on a fast track to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

👉 Search 2014 Upper Deck Young Guns Andrei Vasilevskiy Rookie Cards on eBay

📈 Card Value & Population

• Recent PSA 10 Value: ~$300
• PSA 10 Population: 300+
• Grading Note: Low gem-mint count makes this one of the rarer modern goalie rookies

Despite his accolades, Vasilevskiy’s rookie card still flies under the radar, particularly compared to top forwards, making it an intriguing play for goalie collectors and long-term investors.

💡 Collector Insight

Goaltenders typically lag behind forwards in the hobby, but Vasilevskiy is beginning to break that trend. His Young Guns rookie is gaining traction among serious hockey collectors, especially as his big-game performances continue to elevate his legacy.

🧠 Investment Outlook

With around 300 PSA 10s graded, this card combines relative scarcity with elite on-ice performance. As the Lightning remain contenders and Vasilevskiy adds to his already loaded trophy case, expect continued demand for his rookie card in high grade.

9. Cale Makar – 2019 Upper Deck Young Guns Rookie #493

🏒 Overview

Cale Makar is widely considered the most talented defenseman in the NHL today. In 2022, he led the Colorado Avalanche to a Stanley Cup Championship, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. His combination of elite skating, offensive production, and defensive IQ has redefined the modern blueliner.

👉 Search 2019 Upper Deck Young Guns Cale Makar Rookie Cards on eBay

📈 Card Value & Population

• Recent PSA 10 Value: ~$600
• PSA 10 Population: 2,927
• 2022 Peak Value: ~$850–$900 following the Cup win

Makar’s Young Guns rookie card surged in value after his historic 2022 postseason, but has since settled into a more affordable range, creating opportunity for collectors and long-term investors.

💡 Collector Insight

At just 24 years old, Makar has already racked up a Calder Trophy (Rookie of the Year), Norris Trophy (Best Defenseman), and a Stanley Cup — all while still ascending. His rookie card is quickly becoming a modern staple in both casual and serious hockey collections.

🧠 Investment Outlook

With his accolades and upside, Makar is arguably the safest bet among current NHL defensemen. At current PSA 10 prices, his YG rookie presents solid long-term value, particularly if Colorado continues to contend for championships. The one drawback might be the high graded population.

10. David Pastrnak – 2014 Upper Deck Young Guns Rookie #495

🏒 Overview

David Pastrnak has become one of the NHL’s most consistent and explosive goal scorers, topping 100 points in the last three seasons for the Boston Bruins. His Young Guns rookie card has steadily gained traction among collectors and remains relatively affordable compared to his production and star power.

📈 Card Value & Population

• Recent PSA 10 Value: ~$800
• PSA 10 Population: 250
• 2021 Peak: Prices climbed significantly during his career year

💡 Collector Insight

Pastrnak’s popularity, particularly in the Northeast and among Bruins fans, makes this a regional collector favorite with national upside. His scoring pace and highlight-reel plays continue to drive demand.

🧠 Investment Outlook

At under $1,000 for a PSA 10, Pastrnak’s rookie still looks like a solid long-term hold — especially if Boston remains competitive and he continues to post elite numbers.

📝 Note on 1990 Upper Deck Young Guns Cards

While Pavel Bure and Sergei Fedorov have Young Guns-branded cards in the 1990 Upper Deck Hockey set, they are not nearly as valuable as more recent YG rookies. This is due to the massive production run during that era.

Still, both cards hold iconic status for many collectors and are worth mentioning for those building complete Young Guns collections or appreciating 1990s NHL legends.

11. Conor Bedard – 2023 Upper Deck Young Guns Rookie #451

🏒 Overview

Connor Bedard is the most hyped NHL rookie since Connor McDavid, and the hobby has responded accordingly. Drafted first overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2023, Bedard entered the league with sky-high expectations — and he’s already shown flashes of generational talent with highlight-reel goals and playmaking ability.

Even before his Young Guns card was officially released, demand from collectors was through the roof.

👉 Search 2023 Upper Deck Young Guns Connor Bedard Rookie Cards on eBay

📈 Card Value & Population

• Recent PSA 10 Value: ~$500
• PSA 10 Population: 3,000+ (growing rapidly due to high submission volume)
• Release Note: 2023–24 Upper Deck Series 2
• Grading Note: Strong gem rate; high availability of pack-fresh submissions

While early PSA 10 copies sold for over $2,000 in early 2024, the market has since cooled, not necessarily because of Bedard’s play, but due to a surge in supply.

💡 Collector Insight

This card is a modern chase staple and will be a centerpiece of the 2020s Young Guns era, whether Bedard becomes the next McDavid or takes a few years to blossom. It’s the most graded hockey card of the year and a must-have for any collector tracking the NHL’s next generation.

🧠 Investment Outlook

With pop numbers climbing fast, this card is more about timing than scarcity. Short—term price swings are likely, but if Bedard becomes what many expect, this will be the flagship card of the next hockey era. Long-term holds should be carefully monitored against population growth and on-ice performance.

12. Lane Hutson – 2024 Upper Deck Young Guns Rookie #229

🏒 Overview

Lane Hutson is among the most exciting young defensemen to hit the NHL in years. After a standout collegiate career at Boston University, where he shattered scoring records for a defenseman, Hutson made his NHL debut with the Montreal Canadiens in 2024 and immediately turned heads with his skating, creativity, and offensive instincts.

His Young Guns rookie card in 2024 Upper Deck Series 2 was quickly pegged as one of the set’s top chases.

👉 Search 2024 Upper Deck Young Guns Lane Hutson Rookie Cards on eBay

📈 Card Value & Population

• Recent PSA 10 Value: ~$500
• PSA 10 Population: ~650+ (early, growing fast)
• Release Note: 2024 Upper Deck Series 2
• Market Trend: +20% in the last 30 days (as of April 2025)

Though still very early in his NHL career, Hutson’s high ceiling and immediate impact have driven demand quickly, with his YG card among the hottest 2024 rookie crop.

💡 Collector Insight

Defensemen typically lag behind forwards in hobby interest, but Hutson’s dynamic offensive game and popularity with Canadiens fans make him a breakout candidate among collectors. His Young Guns could become a modern must-have if he develops into a Cale Makar-type talent.

🧠 Investment Outlook

While still speculative, Hutson’s upside and early price action suggest there’s room to run. Collectors looking for high-risk/high-reward rookies in 2024 should keep this card on their radar — especially while pop counts are still low.

13. Pavel Bure – 1990 Upper Deck Young Guns Rookie #526

🏒 Overview

Pavel Bure, known as “The Russian Rocket,” was among the NHL’s most electrifying players during the 1990s. A Hall of Famer and two-time 60-goal scorer, Bure played from 1991 to 2003 and helped open the door for a wave of international stars entering the league. His blazing speed and scoring ability made him a fan favorite and an instant icon.

👉 Search 1990 Upper Deck Young Guns Pavel Bure Rookie Cards on eBay

📈 Card Value & Population

• Recent PSA 10 Value: ~$80–$100
• PSA 10 Population: 1,200+
• Set Note: From the massively overproduced 1990 Upper Deck Hockey release

While Bure’s rookie isn’t rare by any stretch, its historical importance and accessibility make it a staple for any collector interested in the origins of the Young Guns brand.

💡 Collector Insight

This was the very first Young Guns card ever released, making it a key piece of hobby history. Despite the high pop count, the nostalgia and significance of the card keep it in steady demand.

🧠 Investment Outlook

Due to its high population, this card isn’t likely to see significant appreciation. Still, at around $100 for a PSA 10 of a Hall of Famer, it’s a low-risk, iconic addition to any modern or vintage hockey card collection.

14. Sergei Federov – 1990 Upper Deck Young Guns Rookie #525

🏒 Overview

Upper Deck’s 1990 hockey release kicked off the Young Guns brand with a bang, and Sergei Fedorov’s rookie card was one of its headline names. A Hall of Famer and three-time Stanley Cup champion, Fedorov had a rare blend of elite speed, scoring, and defensive ability.

Steve Yzerman once called Fedorov “the most talented player I’ve ever seen.” That’s high praise from a teammate and fellow legend — and Fedorov backed it up with a career that earned him a spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

👉 Search 1990 Upper Deck Young Guns Sergei Fedorov Rookie Cards on eBay

📈 Card Value & Population

• Recent PSA 10 Value: ~$50–$100
• PSA 10 Population: 900+
• Set Note: Like Bure, this card comes from the highly overproduced 1990 Upper Deck set

Because of the massive print run, even high-grade Fedorov rookies are widely available, making them highly accessible for collectors.

💡 Collector Insight

Despite the high pop count, this card holds nostalgic value. Fedorov helped define an era of Red Wings dominance and remains one of the most exciting players of his generation. It’s also part of the first wave of Young Guns rookies — a key piece of hobby history.

🧠 Investment Outlook

With a PSA 10 still available for under $100, Fedorov’s Young Guns rookie offers excellent value for collectors seeking low-cost Hall of Fame rookies, even if it doesn’t offer the scarcity upside of more recent YG cards.

Young Guns – Honorable Mentions & Possible Future HOF Players 

Nathan MacKinnon: already on a path to the Hall of Fame, and his YG RC long-term is still a great buy under $1000 in a PSA 10 grade.

Jonathan Toews: a lock future HOF player, and his YG rookie is an attractive buy under $500 in PSA 10 grade.

Carey Price is another tough goalie YG RC to find in high grade. Price is a future HOF.

Evgeni Malkin is another lock HOF player; his YG RC is still undervalued.

Patrick Kane is another HOF lock. Kane could possibly be traded this season, and his YG RC is a solid short-term or long-term buy.

Patrice Bergeron is most likely a future HOF, Begeron’s YG RC in PSA 10 condition is tough to find and getting more expensive!

Steven Stamkos is another HOF lock; Stamkos has been under the radar for several years, and his YG RC is still undervalued.

Nikita Kucherov: Already on a HOF path, Kucherov’s YG RC is still undervalued.

Erik Karlsson – Karlsson is arguably having the best season in his career points-wise and is already considered a future HOF. His YG RC looks attractive for longer term potential.

Henrik Lundqvist: HOF bound this year; great time to pick up his YG RC before he’s inducted.

Young Guns – New Up and Comers  

Jason Robertson – Robertson ranks towards the top five in total points scored and is only 23 years old. His 2020 Upper Deck YG rookie card could be a good long term buy.

Jack Hughes – Hughes is having a breakout season in 2022-23, his YG RC could be the next one to increase a ton more in value especially if he reaches his full potential.

Kirill Kaprizov – Kaprizov won the ROY a few years ago and his 2020 YG RC is a great long-term buy.

Igor Shesterkin – Igor is regarded as one of the best goalies in the NHL and won the Vezina Award last season. His YG RC is a great short-term or long-term buy.