Connor Bedard Top Cards to Buy This Year | HobbyAlpha
Connor Bedard Top Cards to Buy This Year
Connor Bedard is the most significant hockey prospect since Connor McDavid, making his rookie cards the primary focus of the NHL collecting market. To maximize value, collectors should prioritize Upper Deck Series 2 Young Guns, Upper Deck Series 1 "Easter Egg" short prints, and high-end Upper Deck The Cup releases once available. For those seeking rarity, focused parallels like Silver Outbursts, Deluxe /250, and Exclusives /100 represent the most liquid investment-grade assets in the current market.
Overview of the Bedard Market
As the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft and the Calder Trophy winner, Bedard's market is characterized by high volume and high premiums. Unlike other sports, Upper Deck holds the exclusive license for NHL trading cards, meaning his "True Rookie" cards are concentrated within a few specific sets. The release of 2023-24 Upper Deck Series 2 marked the official debut of his flagship Young Guns card, which remains the "gold standard" for entry-level and mid-tier investors.
Key Cards and Parallels to Target
When investing in Bedard, the hierarchy of value is strictly tied to scarcity and brand prestige.
| Card Type | Set / Parallel | Why It’s a Top Buy |
|---|---|---|
| The Gold Standard | Upper Deck Series 2 Young Guns #451 | The essential RC for every collector. |
| The Rare Parallel | UD Series 2 Young Guns Silver Outburst | Unnumbered but rare, offering a premium visual appeal. |
| High-End Tech | Skybox Metal Universe PMG (Red/Green) | Precious Metal Gems are iconic cross-sport "grail" cards. |
| Short Print | UD Series 1 "Draft Pick" SP-1 | A surprise short-print that preceded his official RC. |
| Numbered Chase | UD Series 2 Young Guns Deluxe /250 | Guaranteed scarcity for serious portfolios. |
Current Market Performance
The market for Bedard settled after an initial "hype spike" following the release of Series 2. Prices for raw Young Guns have stabilized, while PSA 10 (Gem Mint) copies continue to command a significant premium due to the challenging physical condition of the 2023-24 Series 2 stock, which often suffers from corner chipping. Collectors are currently pivoting toward "low-pop" parallels (cards with low populations in high grades) to hedge against the high print run of the base Young Guns.
Investment Take: Long-Term Outlook
Bedard is a "generational" hold. While short-term fluctuations occur based on nightly performance, his long-term value is anchored by his status as the face of the Chicago Blackhawks.
- Target: PSA 10 base Young Guns or raw "Exclusives" /100 and "High Gloss" /10 versions.
- Risk: Like any rookie, injury or a sophomore slump are the primary risks, but his statistical output suggests a high floor.
Track This on HobbyAlpha
To make data-driven decisions on Connor Bedard, use our specialized tools to monitor price action and population reports:
- Market Outlook: Compare Bedard’s price trends against other NHL legends like McDavid and Crosby.
- Player Outlook: Track daily sales volume and "Value Change %" across eBay and major auction houses.
- Hidden Gems: Discover undervalued Bedard inserts from secondary sets like Synergy or O-Pee-Chee Glossy.
Stay ahead of the market by tracking Bedard’s real-time value on HobbyAlpha.