Alex Ovechkin, the Washington Capitals’ legendary left wing, is on the cusp of hockey immortality. With just 7 goals separating him from Wayne Gretzky's once-untouchable record of 894 career goals, the hockey world holds its breath as 'The Great Eight' closes in on 'The Great One.' This historic chase has not only electrified NHL arenas, but has sent shockwaves through the collectibles market. If you want to hop on the Ovechkin bandwagon, here are some hockey collectibles to keep an eye out for:

The Ovechkin Effect

Ovechkin’s pursuit of this NHL record has sent ripples through the memorabilia market. The increased attention and demand for Ovechkin cards has sparked an exciting time for collectors, evidenced by a copy of his debut ticket selling for $10,500 last month. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, here are some key Ovechkin items to keep an eye on:

1. 2005 Upper Deck Young Guns #443 Rookie Card: Considered the gold standard for modern NHL rookie cards due to its high quality photography, strong demand, and lasting value. A PSA 10 graded version recently sold for over $5,644, with its value increasing nearly 18% over a 30 day period. The last recorded sale of this card in raw condition was for $1,374.40– a handsome reward for collectors who recognized Ovechkin’s potential early.

2. 2005 Upper Deck Rookie Class #2 RC: This elusive gem cannot be pulled in any ordinary pack; it exists only as part of a special 50-card box set that celebrates the exceptional 2005 rookie class. Sealed box sets are difficult to locate, but could become a profitable long-term investment as Ovechkin cements his legacy.

3. 2005 Parkhurst #669 RC: A nod to the vintage Parkhurst brand, this rookie card in top condition is hard to find. According to PSA’s grading population report–Ovechkin’s Parkhurst base RC has less than 500 PSA 10s in existence. “Parkies” began NHL trading cards in 1951, and in 2005 Upper Deck acquired the license to produce Parkhurst sets just in time for Ovechkin’s debut season.

4. Trending Price Movers: Keep an eye on these cards before the record is broken:

   1. 2005 Fleer Ultra #SK18 Scoring Kings Rookie: Up nearly 30% in the last month.

   2. 2005 Upper Deck Beehive #102 Base Rookie: This card has jumped over 25% in the last 30 days.

   3. 2005 Fleer Ultra #DM9 Difference Makers Rookie: Up a whopping 54% in the last month, showing significant collector interest.

5. Game-Worn Jerseys: Authentic Ovechkin jerseys are flying off the shelves. The NHL shop is currently sold-out of L and XL Red Captain Patch Home Jerseys. Stock for the autographed version of the white road jersey on Monumental Shop decreases by the day. If you’re looking for memorabilia that takes you even closer to the action–signed Ovechkin hockey sticks exist as well.  

The Final Countdown

With just 13 regular season games left on the Capitals schedule, the clock is ticking for Ovechkin. As the 2025 season approaches its conclusion, Capitals coach Spencer Carberry revealed to media that Ovechkin is handling the pressure with elite poise, “...he's such a pro when he comes to this stuff and he's been down this road chasing different records, pressure, all this stuff. So, he handles it with such class and deflects it all and makes it more about what we're doing as a team.” 

Whether Ovechkin eclipses Gretzky's record this season or next, his indelible impact on hockey is already secure. His relentless pursuit of greatness has not only captivated a generation of fans but has sparked the fire for the collecting hobby.

The window to own a piece of this historic chase grows shorter with each thunderous Ovechkin slap shot. When the record eventually falls, those who got their hands on these treasures will possess more than memorabilia – they'll hold tangible pieces of a sporting legend whose prowess may never be seen again.