The world of hockey card collecting is a vibrant and thrilling community where fans and collectors alike bond over their passion for the game, its history, and its greatest players. Hockey cards have evolved over the years, becoming not only a form of memorabilia but also an investment for serious collectors. If you’re wondering who the top NHL players are to collect, you’re in for a treat. In this blog post, we’ll break down the top 30 NHL players you should focus on for your collection, taking into account their impact on the game, legendary status, and overall collectibility.
Why Collect NHL Players?
Before we jump into the list, it’s important to understand why some players are more collectible than others. Several factors contribute to a player’s status as a coveted collectible:
Legacy and Impact: Players who have had a significant impact on the game, whether through championships, groundbreaking performances, or becoming legends of the sport, naturally rise in value.
Rarity of Cards: Limited-edition or autographed cards, rookie cards, and special insert cards often feature higher-value players.
Popularity: Some players are adored by the fanbase and have enduring popularity, which contributes to the demand for their cards.
Statistics: Players who have achieved high statistical rankings, such as goals, assists, points, or shutouts, are often prioritized by collectors.
Era: Some players from specific eras, such as the 1980s or 1990s, have cards that hold nostalgic value for older fans while representing important milestones in the sport’s evolution.
Now, let’s dive into the top 30 NHL players you should collect. This list spans different eras of the sport and includes a mix of iconic legends, current superstars, and players with cards that are prime investment pieces.
Top 30 NHL Players to Collect for Hockey
1. Wayne Gretzky
Widely considered the greatest hockey player of all time, Wayne Gretzky’s cards are a must-have for any serious collector. His legendary status is unmatched, with 61 NHL records to his name, including most goals, assists, and points in a career. A true icon.
2. Mario Lemieux
Lemieux is one of the most dominant forces in hockey history, overcoming numerous injuries to achieve incredible success with the Pittsburgh Penguins. His rookie cards, especially the 1985 O-Pee-Chee, are highly coveted.
3. Bobby Orr
Known for revolutionizing the defense position, Bobby Orr’s 1970s rookie cards, particularly the 1966-67 Topps, are legendary. His impact on the game is still felt today, and his cards are prized by collectors.
4. Gordie Howe
“The Gordie Howe Hat Trick” (a goal, assist, and fight in one game) epitomizes Howe’s all-around skills. His cards from the 1950s and 1960s are valuable due to their age and his legendary career with the Detroit Red Wings.
5. Sidney Crosby
As the face of the modern NHL, Crosby’s rookie cards from 2005 are highly sought after. His list of achievements, including multiple Stanley Cups and MVP awards, solidifies his place in hockey history.
6. Patrick Roy
Known for his fierce competitiveness and clutch goaltending, Patrick Roy’s cards, particularly those from the 1980s and 1990s, are among the most collected in the goaltender category.
7. Alexander Ovechkin
Ovechkin has cemented himself as one of the greatest goal scorers of all time. His rookie cards are highly collectible, especially as he continues to climb the all-time goals list.
8. Jean Béliveau
Béliveau was not only a key figure for the Montreal Canadiens but also a classy ambassador for the sport. His 1950s rookie cards remain in high demand.
9. Connor McDavid
As one of the most dominant players of the current era, McDavid’s rookie cards, especially the 2015-16 Young Guns card, are among the hottest on the market.
10. Steve Yzerman
The long-time captain of the Detroit Red Wings, Yzerman led his team to multiple championships. His 1984-85 rookie cards are especially collectible.
Other Notable Players to Collect:
11. Ray Bourque
One of the greatest defensemen of all time, Bourque’s 1980s rookie cards are high-value items for collectors, especially after his Stanley Cup victory with the Colorado Avalanche.
12. Phil Esposito
Esposito was a scoring machine in the 1970s and played a huge role in the Boston Bruins’ dominance during that era.
13. Henrik Lundqvist
A fan favorite and one of the greatest goalies of his era, Lundqvist’s cards from his early career with the New York Rangers are valuable.
14. Mark Messier
Messier’s leadership and clutch performances earned him a spot as one of the all-time greats. His rookie cards are sought after by both collectors and fans.
15. Dominik Hasek
Hasek revolutionized the goalie position with his unorthodox style and is one of the most collectible goaltenders in NHL history.
16. Mike Bossy
One of the most prolific goal scorers of the 1980s, Bossy’s cards from his early years are highly collectible.
17. Teemu Selänne
“The Finnish Flash” made a significant impact on the league with his incredible speed and goal-scoring ability. His rookie cards, especially the 1990s Upper Deck, are in high demand.
18. Eric Lindros
Known for his powerful playing style, Lindros was one of the most dominant players of the 1990s. His rookie cards are highly collectible for fans of that era.
19. Marcel Dionne
Dionne was an incredibly skilled forward for the Los Angeles Kings in the 1970s and 1980s. His vintage cards from that era are highly sought after.
20. Larry Robinson
One of the most decorated defensemen in NHL history, Robinson’s rookie cards are valuable, particularly due to his impressive career with the Montreal Canadiens.
Modern Superstars with Valuable Cards:
21. Auston Matthews
As one of the most promising players in the NHL, Matthews’ 2016-17 rookie cards are among the hottest collectibles in modern hockey.
22. Jack Hughes
Hughes, a key figure for the New Jersey Devils, is making waves in the NHL, and his rookie cards are quickly gaining traction in the collecting world.
23. Victor Hedman
Hedman, one of the top defensemen of the 2010s, has seen his rookie cards rise in value, particularly due to his multiple Stanley Cup wins with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
24. Nathan MacKinnon
MacKinnon’s electrifying speed and skill make him one of the most exciting players to watch. His rookie cards are hot commodities.
25. Carey Price
Price is one of the most decorated goaltenders in NHL history, and his cards, particularly from the 2000s, are valuable collectibles for fans of the Montreal Canadiens.
Classic and Vintage Players:
26. Guy Lafleur
Lafleur’s 1970s rookie cards are highly collectible due to his incredible skill and success with the Montreal Canadiens.
27. Doug Gilmour
Gilmour’s gritty, all-around game earned him a reputation as a beloved figure in the NHL, and his cards from the 1980s and 1990s are top picks for collectors.
28. Denis Savard
Savard’s dazzling puck-handling skills make his cards from the 1980s and 1990s a hot commodity, especially among Chicago Blackhawks fans.
29. Joe Sakic
Sakic’s leadership and skill with the Colorado Avalanche helped him become one of the most popular players in the NHL. His rookie cards are sought after for their nostalgic value.
30. Chris Chelios
Chelios was a mainstay on the Chicago Blackhawks’ defense for years, and his vintage cards remain highly collectible.
Conclusion: Building Your Collection
Collecting NHL players is an exciting journey that requires a mix of knowledge, passion, and an eye for potential investment pieces. Whether you’re focusing on iconic legends, current superstars, or vintage treasures, there’s always something new to learn and discover. The top 30 players we’ve listed here represent a range of eras, skills, and contributions to the game, ensuring that your collection is rich in diversity and history.
With the right cards in hand, you can not only celebrate the game of hockey but also potentially watch your collection grow in value over time. Happy collecting!
What Are the Top 30 NHL Players to Collect for Hockey?
The world of hockey card collecting is a vibrant and thrilling community where fans and collectors alike bond over their passion for the game, its history, and its greatest players. Hockey cards have evolved over the years, becoming not only a form of memorabilia but also an investment for serious collectors. If you’re wondering who the top NHL players are to collect, you’re in for a treat. In this blog post, we’ll break down the top 30 NHL players you should focus on for your collection, taking into account their impact on the game, legendary status, and overall collectibility.
Why Collect NHL Players?
Before we jump into the list, it’s important to understand why some players are more collectible than others. Several factors contribute to a player’s status as a coveted collectible:
Now, let’s dive into the top 30 NHL players you should collect. This list spans different eras of the sport and includes a mix of iconic legends, current superstars, and players with cards that are prime investment pieces.
Top 30 NHL Players to Collect for Hockey
1. Wayne Gretzky
Widely considered the greatest hockey player of all time, Wayne Gretzky’s cards are a must-have for any serious collector. His legendary status is unmatched, with 61 NHL records to his name, including most goals, assists, and points in a career. A true icon.
2. Mario Lemieux
Lemieux is one of the most dominant forces in hockey history, overcoming numerous injuries to achieve incredible success with the Pittsburgh Penguins. His rookie cards, especially the 1985 O-Pee-Chee, are highly coveted.
3. Bobby Orr
Known for revolutionizing the defense position, Bobby Orr’s 1970s rookie cards, particularly the 1966-67 Topps, are legendary. His impact on the game is still felt today, and his cards are prized by collectors.
4. Gordie Howe
“The Gordie Howe Hat Trick” (a goal, assist, and fight in one game) epitomizes Howe’s all-around skills. His cards from the 1950s and 1960s are valuable due to their age and his legendary career with the Detroit Red Wings.
5. Sidney Crosby
As the face of the modern NHL, Crosby’s rookie cards from 2005 are highly sought after. His list of achievements, including multiple Stanley Cups and MVP awards, solidifies his place in hockey history.
6. Patrick Roy
Known for his fierce competitiveness and clutch goaltending, Patrick Roy’s cards, particularly those from the 1980s and 1990s, are among the most collected in the goaltender category.
7. Alexander Ovechkin
Ovechkin has cemented himself as one of the greatest goal scorers of all time. His rookie cards are highly collectible, especially as he continues to climb the all-time goals list.
8. Jean Béliveau
Béliveau was not only a key figure for the Montreal Canadiens but also a classy ambassador for the sport. His 1950s rookie cards remain in high demand.
9. Connor McDavid
As one of the most dominant players of the current era, McDavid’s rookie cards, especially the 2015-16 Young Guns card, are among the hottest on the market.
10. Steve Yzerman
The long-time captain of the Detroit Red Wings, Yzerman led his team to multiple championships. His 1984-85 rookie cards are especially collectible.
Other Notable Players to Collect:
11. Ray Bourque
One of the greatest defensemen of all time, Bourque’s 1980s rookie cards are high-value items for collectors, especially after his Stanley Cup victory with the Colorado Avalanche.
12. Phil Esposito
Esposito was a scoring machine in the 1970s and played a huge role in the Boston Bruins’ dominance during that era.
13. Henrik Lundqvist
A fan favorite and one of the greatest goalies of his era, Lundqvist’s cards from his early career with the New York Rangers are valuable.
14. Mark Messier
Messier’s leadership and clutch performances earned him a spot as one of the all-time greats. His rookie cards are sought after by both collectors and fans.
15. Dominik Hasek
Hasek revolutionized the goalie position with his unorthodox style and is one of the most collectible goaltenders in NHL history.
16. Mike Bossy
One of the most prolific goal scorers of the 1980s, Bossy’s cards from his early years are highly collectible.
17. Teemu Selänne
“The Finnish Flash” made a significant impact on the league with his incredible speed and goal-scoring ability. His rookie cards, especially the 1990s Upper Deck, are in high demand.
18. Eric Lindros
Known for his powerful playing style, Lindros was one of the most dominant players of the 1990s. His rookie cards are highly collectible for fans of that era.
19. Marcel Dionne
Dionne was an incredibly skilled forward for the Los Angeles Kings in the 1970s and 1980s. His vintage cards from that era are highly sought after.
20. Larry Robinson
One of the most decorated defensemen in NHL history, Robinson’s rookie cards are valuable, particularly due to his impressive career with the Montreal Canadiens.
Modern Superstars with Valuable Cards:
21. Auston Matthews
As one of the most promising players in the NHL, Matthews’ 2016-17 rookie cards are among the hottest collectibles in modern hockey.
22. Jack Hughes
Hughes, a key figure for the New Jersey Devils, is making waves in the NHL, and his rookie cards are quickly gaining traction in the collecting world.
23. Victor Hedman
Hedman, one of the top defensemen of the 2010s, has seen his rookie cards rise in value, particularly due to his multiple Stanley Cup wins with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
24. Nathan MacKinnon
MacKinnon’s electrifying speed and skill make him one of the most exciting players to watch. His rookie cards are hot commodities.
25. Carey Price
Price is one of the most decorated goaltenders in NHL history, and his cards, particularly from the 2000s, are valuable collectibles for fans of the Montreal Canadiens.
Classic and Vintage Players:
26. Guy Lafleur
Lafleur’s 1970s rookie cards are highly collectible due to his incredible skill and success with the Montreal Canadiens.
27. Doug Gilmour
Gilmour’s gritty, all-around game earned him a reputation as a beloved figure in the NHL, and his cards from the 1980s and 1990s are top picks for collectors.
28. Denis Savard
Savard’s dazzling puck-handling skills make his cards from the 1980s and 1990s a hot commodity, especially among Chicago Blackhawks fans.
29. Joe Sakic
Sakic’s leadership and skill with the Colorado Avalanche helped him become one of the most popular players in the NHL. His rookie cards are sought after for their nostalgic value.
30. Chris Chelios
Chelios was a mainstay on the Chicago Blackhawks’ defense for years, and his vintage cards remain highly collectible.
Conclusion: Building Your Collection
Collecting NHL players is an exciting journey that requires a mix of knowledge, passion, and an eye for potential investment pieces. Whether you’re focusing on iconic legends, current superstars, or vintage treasures, there’s always something new to learn and discover. The top 30 players we’ve listed here represent a range of eras, skills, and contributions to the game, ensuring that your collection is rich in diversity and history.
With the right cards in hand, you can not only celebrate the game of hockey but also potentially watch your collection grow in value over time. Happy collecting!