The 2000s were a transformative decade for the National Hockey League, as the sport experienced growth in popularity and saw some of the game’s brightest young stars make their debuts. As a result, the hockey cards produced during this period have become valuable collectibles that offer a connection to the players and moments that defined the era.
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This article will look closely at ten memorable hockey cards from the 2000s worth investing in. From the rookie cards of Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin to the limited edition autographed patches of Eric Staal, each card on this list is highly sought-after and a worth while investment.
2005 Upper Deck Young Guns Sidney Crosby RC #201
As a rookie card of Sidney Crosby, who is widely considered one of the greatest hockey players of all time, this card has a lot of value to collectors and investors.
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This card features Crosby in his Pittsburgh Penguins jersey and boasts a clean design, with his image taking up most of the card front. The back of the card includes Crosby’s stats and a brief write-up on his promising young career. The 2005 Upper Deck Young Guns Sidney Crosby RC #201 has become a highly sought-after item in the hobby, and high-grade examples of the card can fetch a high price at auction. PSA 10 (mint) examples of this card have sold for upwards of $10,000.
If you’re looking to invest in hockey cards from the 2000s, the 2005 Upper Deck Young Guns Sidney Crosby RC #201 is worth considering.
2005 Upper Deck Young Guns Alexander Ovechkin RC #443
The 2005 Upper Deck Young Guns Alexander Ovechkin RC #443 is another highly sought-after hockey card from the 2000s. As the rookie card of Alexander Ovechkin, widely considered one of the greatest goal-scorers in NHL history, this card has significant value to collectors and investors. The card features a young Ovechkin in his Washington Capitals jersey, with a clean and simple design that highlights his image. The back of the card includes Ovechkin’s stats and a brief write-up on his impressive start to his NHL career.
PSA 10 (mint) examples of this card have sold for upwards of $2,000. With Ovechkin’s impressive career and popularity among fans, this card will likely maintain its value for years to come.
2006 Upper Deck Evgeni Malkin Young Guns Rookie RC #486
The 2006 Upper Deck Evgeni Malkin Young Guns Rookie RC #486 is a valuable hockey card from the 2000s featuring Evgeni Malkin in his Pittsburgh Penguins jersey. Malkin, a Russian-born center, was drafted second overall by the Penguins in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft and quickly established himself as one of the league’s top young players.
The 2006 Upper Deck Evgeni Malkin Young Guns Rookie RC #486 features a high-quality image of Malkin on the front of the card, with a clean design that showcases his youth and skill. The back of the card includes Malkin’s stats and a brief write-up on his early success in the NHL.
PSA 10 (mint) examples of the 2006 Upper Deck Evgeni Malkin Young Guns Rookie RC #486 have sold for upwards of $1,000 in past, making it a highly sought-after card for collectors and investors alike.
2008 SP Authentic Future Watch Steven Stamkos RC Rookie Auto /999 #247
The 2008 SP Authentic Future Watch #247 Steven Stamkos RC Rookie AUTO is a limited edition hockey card with Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos. This card is serial numbered to only 999 copies, making it a rare and highly sought-after collectible.
What sets this card apart from other Stamkos rookie cards is the autograph, which has been hand-signed by the player. Autographed cards are always more valuable than regular cards, as they provide a tangible connection to the player and offer a level of authenticity that can’t be matched.
Stamkos has also won a Rocket Richard Trophy as the NHL’s top goal-scorer and a King Clancy Memorial Trophy for leadership and humanitarian efforts. With its limited print run, autograph, and Stamkos’ success and popularity, the 2008 SP Authentic Future Watch #247 Steven Stamkos RC Rookie AUTO is an excellent card to invest in.
2007 Upper Deck The Cup Jonathan Toews Autographed Patch #/99 #190
Toews has since become one of the NHL’s most successful and respected players, captaining the Blackhawks to three Stanley Cup championships and being named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as playoff MVP twice.
The 2007 Upper Deck The Cup Jonathan Toews RC #190 Autographed Patch is a minimal edition hockey card with Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews. This card is serial numbering only 99 copies, making it one of the rarest and most valuable Toews rookie cards. The autographed patch and the limited print run set this card apart from other Toews rookie cards. The autograph, hand-signed by Toews, provides a tangible connection to the player and adds value to the card.
2007 Upper Deck Patrick Kane Young Guns Rookie RC #210
Kane has also won numerous individual awards, including the Hart Trophy for being the NHL’s Most Valuable Player and the Calder Trophy for being the NHL’s top rookie.
This card was released as part of the Upper Deck Young Guns set, which is known for featuring some of the NHL’s top young players and future stars. The card features a high-quality image of Kane in his Blackhawks jersey on the front, with a clean design that showcases his skill and promise as a young player. The back of the card includes Kane’s stats and a brief write-up on his early success in the NHL.
2007 Upper Deck Patrick Kane Young Guns Rookie RC #210 has sold for upwards of $300 in the past, making it a valuable addition to any hockey card collection.
2005 Upper Deck The Cup Sidney Crosby RC #180 Autographed Patch #/99
Crosby has become one of the NHL’s greatest and most successful players, winning three Stanley Cup championships and two Olympic gold medals with Team Canada.
The card features a high-quality image of Crosby in his Penguins jersey on the front, with a patch of the team’s logo added to the design. The back of the card includes Crosby’s stats and a brief write-up on his impressive start to his NHL career. The autographed patch and the limited print run set this card apart from other Crosby rookie cards. The limited print run makes this card a rare and highly sought-after collectible. Only 99 of these cards were ever made.
With its limited print run, autographed patch, and Crosby’s success and popularity, the 2005 Upper Deck The Cup Sidney Crosby RC #180 Autographed Patch is a great card to invest in.
2005 Upper Deck The Cup Alexander Ovechkin RC #179 Autographed Patch #/99
The 2005 Upper Deck The Cup Alexander Ovechkin RC #179 Autographed Patch is a minimal edition hockey card with Washington Capitals left wing Alexander Ovechkin. This card is serial numbering only 99 copies, making it one of the rarest and most valuable Ovechkin rookie cards.
The card features a high-quality image of Ovechkin in his Capitals jersey on the front, with a patch of the team’s logo added to the design.
Ovechkin has since become one of the NHL’s greatest and most successful players, winning three Stanley Cup championships, one Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, and numerous individual awards, including the Hart Trophy for being the NHL’s Most Valuable Player eight times.
2002 Upper Deck Rick Nash RC #232
The 2002 Upper Deck Rick Nash RC #2 is a highly sought-after rookie card that features Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Rick Nash.
The card features a high-quality image of Nash in his Blue Jackets jersey on the front, with his stats and a brief write-up on the back. The card’s design is eye-catching, making it a visually appealing addition to any hockey card collection.
Since being drafted first overall in the 2002 NHL Draft, Nash has won numerous individual awards and has been selected to the NHL All-Star Game multiple times. This card has become a popular collectible due to Nash’s success and popularity as a player.
2003 Upper Deck Premier Eric Staal Auto Patch #/99 RC #114
If you are looking for rare cards to invest in or collect, then the 2003 Upper Deck Premier Eric Staal RC #114 Autographed Patch #/99 is perfect. Since only 99 of these cards were ever made, this is a highly sought-after card among collectors.
This card has been traded for over $500 among collectors over a long period. One of the distinguishing features of this card is the autograph patch signed by Eric Staal. It is a great card to invest in if you’re looking for a piece of hockey history that will likely hold its value over time.