With the unveiling of the 2024-25 Upper Deck Series 2 Hockey, there’s a buzz in the collector community that rivals the thrill on the ice itself. At the heart of this newfound mania is none other than the San Jose Sharks’ first overall pick, Macklin Celebrini, whose Young Guns cards have burst onto the scene with the impact of a well-aimed slap shot. Celebrini’s rookie season is as impressive as his trading cards are desirable, and the result is a frenzied rush among fans and collectors to secure what might soon become iconic sports memorabilia.
Finding himself exactly where fans dream of having him, Celebrini has quickly outpaced expectations, much like his nickname “The Cheetah” suggests. Known for his explosive speed and razor-sharp offensive acumen, he has been a luminous presence in the San Jose Sharks’ lineup. Night after night, Celebrini delivers standout performances, lighting up the scoreboard and breathing life into a rebuilding team desperately searching for a path forward.
Comparisons to sensational talents like Connor Bedard and Auston Matthews are flattering, but Celebrini remains unfazed, focusing on his unique attributes. Celebrini’s mix of playmaking prowess, uncanny goal-scoring, and high-caliber hockey IQ have made him a pivotal contender for the Calder Trophy, placing him right next to other rising stars, particularly Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson.
The release of Upper Deck Series 2 has introduced three tantalizing Celebrini Young Guns cards into the collector’s realm, sparking waves of excitement documented by secondary market sales. These cards encapsulate the promise of Celebrini’s career trajectory and the allure of rare collectibles:
1. Base Young Guns rookie card – This is the crown jewel for collectors, with current listings on platforms like eBay hitting the $200 mark within a mere day of release, demonstrating the card’s allure.
2. Young Guns “Teammates” card – Featuring Sharks’ fellow rookie Will Smith, it strikes a harmonious chord valued around $20 but with room to grow as the season progresses.
3. Young Guns checklist card – Pairing with Philadelphia Flyers rookie Matvei Michkov, this card is trading hands for $25, adding layers of narrative between two burgeoning careers.
Given the historical precedent and popularity of Young Guns releases, particularly those featuring top-tier prospects, these cards are bound to cement their status throughout the hockey season. They hold not just visual appeal but the promise of long-term value, making them a prime target for investment as much as aesthetic admiration.
Upper Deck, acutely aware of Celebrini’s burgeoning magnetism and market potential, moved swiftly by securing an exclusive autograph arrangement with him in July 2024. This ensures that any autographed Celebrini card will be an Upper Deck exclusive, enhancing the cards’ desirability and scarcity—traits that collectors cherish most.
The excitement is palpable as Celebrini’s cards follow a path reminiscent of those of Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, and other legendary figures in NHL history. These cards, like artifacts of a nascent career, might turn into golden tickets for hobbyists and serious investors alike. Celebrini’s on-ice performances align with the hype surrounding his trading cards, making them not just souvenirs but tangible tokens of hockey history in the making.
For all the buzz and towering expectations, Macklin Celebrini remains a grounded athlete with his gaze firmly set on growth and personal benchmarks rather than external hype. As he humbly explained to Puck Junk, he sidesteps comparisons to peers like Bedard, choosing instead to focus on his self-imposed standards and continual progress: “I have my expectations for myself. I’m not really comparing myself to other guys [like Bedard]. I know what I can do, and I’m just going to try to play my game.”
Despite the deluge of external expectations, Celebrini’s responses to media and market pressures showcase the caliber of player he aspires to be—not merely a star but a model of poise and tenacity. His approach encapsulates a mindset that could carry him far, both in sports and as the face of a brand in the collector’s universe. As the chase for Young Guns memorabilia intensifies, it’s evident that Celebrini’s impact transcends the rink, leaving an indelible mark on the world of hockey cards.
