Connor Bedard Top Cards to Buy This Year | Hockey Investment Guide
Connor Bedard Top Cards to Buy This Year
Connor Bedard is the most significant hockey prospect since Connor McDavid, making his trading cards the focal point of the modern NHL market. For collectors and investors this year, the primary targets include his 2023-24 Upper Deck Series 2 Young Guns #451, various Upper Deck Series 1 "Easter Egg" inserts, and high-end The Cup RPAs. With his generational talent confirmed by a Calder-winning rookie campaign, Bedard's market remains the highest-volume segment in hockey card collecting.
Overview of the Bedard Market
The Chicago Blackhawks center has revitalized the hockey hobby. Unlike previous years where value was spread across multiple brands, the "Bedard Effect" has concentrated liquidity into Upper Deck’s flagship products. Investors should prioritize licensed NHL cards (Upper Deck) over unlicensed or junior-league products (CHL), as these maintain higher long-term resale value and demand.
Key Cards and Rare Parallels
While the base Young Guns card is the "industry standard," several parallels and inserts command premium prices:
| Card Type | Set | Notable Rarity |
|---|---|---|
| Young Guns #451 | 2023-24 UD Series 2 | Silver Outburst, Deluxe /250, High Gloss /10 |
| Young Guns Canvas | 2023-24 UD Series 2 | Black & White, Printing Plates 1/1 |
| OPC Platinum | 2023-24 O-Pee-Chee | Cosmic, Seismic Gold /25, Golden Treasures 1/1 |
| Draft Day SP | 2023-24 UD Series 1 | Rare "Easter Egg" Short Print |
The 1/1 Young Guns Outburst Gold remains the "Holy Grail" of his rookie year, though high-grade (PSA 10) base Young Guns are the primary vehicle for most liquid portfolios.
Current Market Trends
After an initial spike following the release of Series 2, Bedard's prices have stabilized. We are currently seeing a "flight to quality," where raw cards with centering issues are declining, while PSA 10 and BGS 9.5 specimens maintain a premium. Seasonality plays a role; prices often dip during the NHL offseason (July-August) and climb as the regular season begins and Bedard approaches scoring milestones.
Investment Take
- The Blue Chip Play: A PSA 10 Upper Deck Young Guns. It is the most recognizable card and the easiest to sell quickly.
- The High-Upside Play: O-Pee-Chee Platinum low-numbered parallels (prizm-style cards). These have a smaller print run than flagship Series 2 and appeal to "rainbow" hunters.
- Risk Factor: High production volume on base Series 2 means condition is everything. Avoid buying "raw" cards unless you can inspect them for corner dings or surface scratches common in this year's set.
Track This on HobbyAlpha
To maximize your ROI on Connor Bedard cards, use HobbyAlpha’s suite of data tools:
- Player Outlook: Monitor Bedard’s nightly stats against card price fluctuations.
- Market Outlook: Compare the sales volume of Young Guns versus OPC Platinum.
- Hidden Gems: Identify undervalued Bedard inserts with low pop counts in the PSA/SGC registries.
Stay ahead of the curve by tracking real-time auction data and population reports directly on the [HobbyAlpha Dashboard].