The 2024–25 NHL season has delivered one of the most unpredictable, and collectible, Calder Trophy races in recent memory.

Macklin Celebrini, the No. 1 overall pick and face of the San Jose Sharks rebuild, opened the season as the runaway favorite. But since then, two breakout stars have entered the conversation: Lane Hutson, the undersized but explosive defenseman driving Montreal’s playoff push, and Calgary goalie Dustin Wolf, who’s quietly played his way into rookie-of-the-year contention.

For card collectors, it’s an exciting time to chase Rookie Cards (RCs). Several notable hobby releases this year (Upper Deck Series 1 & 2, Black Diamond, and more on the way) have made these three rookies a coveted chase. Let’s take a look at their play throughout the season and see how it has affected their RC market.

Macklin Celebrini

On the Ice

Macklin Celebrini has been the San Jose Sharks best player this year. His combination of high-end skill, strong two-way play, and leadership qualities, have drawn comparisons to Sidney Crosby and Jonathan Toews - big shoes to fill! With 57 points in 65 games, he’s lived up to the hype as the top pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.

In the Hobby

Demand for Celebrini’s cards has been on the rise, fueled by his draft pedigree and performance. His Young Guns base card is currently on the list of trending cards for hockey, according to Sport Card Investor. A PSA 10 Young Guns Celebrini is priced around $700–$1000, a solid value for a rookie of his caliber. High-end Celebrini cards can command even higher prices; for instance, his Black Diamond NHL Shield Logo Auto 1/1 sold for nearly $8,000 earlier this year (check it out on eBay).

Lane Hutson

On the Ice

Hutson, a 2022 second-rounder, has silenced every doubter who questioned his 5’9” frame. He’s having the best offensive season by a rookie defenseman since Brian Leetch in the ’80s, tallying 64 points and keeping the Canadiens in the playoff hunt.

In the Hobby

Hutson’s popularity has skyrocketed, and he currently trails only Alexander Ovechkin in trending cards. Over the last 30 days, his Young Guns base card price has increased by 32%. His Upper Deck Black Diamond autos are listed between $850–$3,000 on eBay, showing that collectors are betting big on his upside.

Dustin Wolf

On the Ice

Dustin Wolf was not on many Calder radar lists before the season, but he has forced his way into the conversation with stellar goaltending for the Calgary Flames. Despite the team’s struggles with low goal production (third-fewest goals scored this year), Wolf’s performance has kept them in the playoff hunt.

In the Hobby

Goalies usually don’t lead card sales, but Wolf is an exception. His Young Guns base card has jumped 27% in the past month, and if the Flames sneak into the playoffs, expect that number to rise. Most of his RCs still sit below $200 on eBay, making Wolf one of the more accessible and intriguing buys in the current rookie class.

Looking Ahead

As of now, Lane Hutson is the Calder front-runner, thanks to his electric scoring pace, 11 points in his last 10 games, and his critical role in Montreal’s postseason chase. But with key matchups ahead and two legit challengers in the mix, this race isn’t over yet. 

As for the chase for Rookie Cards, there are plenty of opportunities left in upcoming hockey card releases. Upper Deck’s SPx Hockey just dropped today, and the high-end Upper Deck The Cup set is still on the horizon. Whether you’re ripping a hobby box to find their RCs or buying them on the market, now may be the perfect time to invest, as all three show early promise.