There’s an electric buzz humming through the hockey card collectors’ community, and it’s all thanks to a prodigy by the name of Macklin Celebrini—and his much-coveted Upper Deck Young Guns cards. With the grand entrance of the 2024-25 Upper Deck Series 2 into the marketplace, these cards have become the holy grail for enthusiasts eager to secure a piece of what some are calling the future of hockey.
Flashback to the 2024 NHL Entry Draft: all eyes were on Macklin Celebrini as he was hailed the No. 1 overall pick, a beacon of hope for the San Jose Sharks. At just 18 years old, Celebrini zipped onto the NHL scene not unlike his nickname, “The Cheetah,” earned through his exceptional skating prowess. With an aura reminiscent of veteran superstars Connor Bedard and Auston Matthews, Celebrini’s offensive ingenuity and sheer rink command have made him a standout in a time when the Sharks desperately need a touch of brilliance.
It’s no surprise, then, that his rookie season—spiced with dazzling playmaking and goal-scoring flair—has not only captured the hearts of Sharks’ fans but also ignited a gold rush among collectors. His name is already being whispered with reverence as a top contender for the prestigious Calder Trophy, alongside formidable talents like Montreal Canadiens’ Lane Hutson.
Enter the world of hockey card collecting, where Upper Deck’s Series 2 release has collectors at the edge of their seats. Celebrini’s Young Guns cards, in particular, have emerged as the belle of the ball. Seasoned and novice collectors alike are racing not only against time but also each other to get their hands on these rare gems.
Three versions of Celebrini’s Young Guns cards have hit the market: the base Young Guns rookie card, which astonished everyone by darting to a $200 price point on eBay within its first day; the Young Guns “Teammates” card, portraying fellow Sharks rookie Will Smith, which hustles in at a more budget-friendly value of $20; and the Young Guns checklist card, elegantly showcasing a deadly duo of Macklin Celebrini and Philadelphia Flyers rookie Matvei Michkov, currently being traded for around $25.
What makes Celebrini’s cards so irresistible isn’t just their scarcity or the prestige of being a top pick; it’s the story that comes with each card—a young athlete steadily carving his name alongside legends while poised on the brink of stardom. Upper Deck, astutely recognizing Celebrini’s magnetism and market potential, snagged an exclusive autograph deal with the rising star in July 2024, providing collectors with an extra layer of allure. Owning an autographed Celebrini card means holding a piece of limited exclusivity that echoes the rarity of Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby’s early autographed relics.
However, Macklin Celebrini himself doesn’t seem fazed by the whirlwind of hype swirling around him. Reflecting a maturity beyond his years, he told Puck Junk that comparisons with hockey’s established icons aren’t his focus. Their shadow does not impose—his sights are fixed squarely on evolving his game. “I have my expectations for myself. I’m not really comparing myself to other guys [like Bedard],” he confidently mused. “I know what I can do, and I’m just going to try to play my game.”
And so the chase begins. As collectors strategize, trade, and covetously eye Young Guns offerings, they know they’re acquiring more than cards—they’re charter members in the fan club of a potential generational star. With Celebrini’s talent and status only set to rise, these cards are not just sporty mementos but investments, basking in the glow of exciting possibility.
The hockey card market, like the game itself, thrives on passion, promise, and potential. In Macklin Celebrini, collectors see these qualities personified, anticipating that this initial flurry is just the opening period of a thrilling saga. As players shuffle and deals are made, the legacy of Celebrini is being crafted with each puck drop, goal celebration, and, of course, every rook card procured. For those holding onto his Young Guns cards, the stakes, excitement, and prospective payday are all skating into uncharted, exhilarating territory.