The history of hockey plays out on cardboard each and every day. As in any sport, rookie cards drive the market. All you have to do is check out a list of the top 100 most watched hockey rookie cards on eBay to know that. Whether your style is Parkhurst Rocket Richard or Young Guns Connor McDavid, it’s part history lesson/part stock market.
Cards, of course, have changed a lot since Georges Vezina’s visage appeared inside packs of tobacco. They’re not packed with anything anymore, because the it’s now the cards that drive the product. Collectors of vintage cards do sometimes chase modern and vice versa.
Even if you’re not the ‘investing’ type, it’s no secret that rookie cards in all sports have generally been a pretty good investment over the years. Icons and top modern era talents have performed well as more collectors enter the market and seek them out. Those who bought cards in the late 1980s and early 90s have returned and long time sports fans with extra income have found collecting to be almost as much fun as it was when they were kids—and having money to spend doesn’t hurt.
Howe, Orr and Gretzky rookie cards have always been among the most popular vintage rookies. Connor McDavid leads the pack of current stars, but the most active auctions will usually include high-end cards of all kinds.
Take a look at the real time list of most watched hockey rookie cards below.
