His first few games were nothing to write home about but it didn’t take long for Mathew Barzal rookie cards to catch fire. The slow start was quickly forgotten as his first full season unfolded. Consider this: The roster of NHL rookies who have scored 50 points in their first 50 games over the last 20 years includes Sidney Crosby, Evegny Makin, Alex Ovechkin…and Mathew Barzal.
He’s had competition but remains a favorite to win the Calder Trophy as the league’s top first year player. Barzal played in just two games for the New York Islanders in 2016-17 but that’s where you’ll find his rookie cards.
The Barzal File
Born on May 26, 1997 in British Columbia, Mathew Barzal wasn’t exactly under the radar. He tallied 103 points in 34 Minor Midget games in 2013. He was compared to Connor McDavid at the time.
Barzal was also more of a play-maker with the Seattle Thunderbirds. His 14 goals and 40 assists during the 2013-14 campaign proved his willingness to distribute the puck and be the ultimate team player. In 2015-16, he tallied 27 goals while dishing out and incredible 61 assists. He’d eclipse that with 69 assists the following year. Barzal eventually helped Seattle win the league title for the first time that season. He also claimed playoff MVP honors.
Barzal has the potential to be one of the best passers in the NHL. He’s also considered to be one of the fastest centers in the game. On February 9, 2018, Barzal accomplished something nobody has accomplished in a century. He became the first rookie to score five points in three games. Joe Malone was the last player to record such a feat in 1917-18. Maybe the most incredible thing about the February 9th game is Barzal recorded a mind-boggling five assists and no goals.
Hot Mathew Barzal Rookie Cards
Barzal could end up being one of the greatest assist guys to ever play in the NHL. He could also develop as a consistent threat to score with his quickness and agility.
As of this writing the most paid for a Barzal rookie came with the sale of a 2016-17 SP Game Used Authentic Rookies autograph card (#13 of 13, matching his jersey number) which went for nearly $4,200 US in an eBay auction. Most others remain far less costly.
Barzal had cards inside multiple products during the ’16-17 calendar including the always popular Upper Deck Young Guns series. Rookie Patch Autographs from The Cup have been popular sellers with prices as of now generally between $300 and $1,000, depending on the serial number. Somewhat remarkably, Barzal’s ungraded autographed SP Authentic Future Watch autos numbered to 999 have held well below $200 during his rookie season, with some selling for less than half that. It’s an option for budget-minded collectors to consider.
Barzal does have some prospect cards that were issued during his teenage years including 2012-13 In The Game and 2014-15 Upper Deck Team Canada Juniors.
You can see the current most watched Mathew Barzal rookie cards on eBay below.