WATCH ABOVE: Just a few years ago, they were collecting hockey cards of their heroes. Now, the NHL’s newest crop of potential stars are posing for their own close-ups. Mike Drolet reports.
TORONTO – Gathered at the old Maple Leaf Gardens, a group of NHL rookies led by No. 1 overall pick Connor McDavid sat down Tuesday to pose for their own Upper Deck hockey cards.
The Edmonton Oilers forward is being touted as hockey’s next big thing and he got to fulfill a moment he has daydreamed about since his childhood years.
“Of course I collected trading cards, I think every kid did,” said McDavid. “It’s really special to be on one now.”
The 18-year-old, who will report to his first NHL training camp in less than two weeks, is not only being called the hottest rookie since Sidney Crosby, but his rookie card will be one of the most valuable in years and be challenging for collectors to find.
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Some experts say McDavid’s rookie card will be worth $200 to $300 straight out of the pack.
Glen Humenik, owner of From Hockey to Hollywood a memorabilia store in downtown Toronto, says McDavid could create a resurgence in the trading card industry.
“I’ve been getting calls for several months now from people wanting to buy a box or case, which is 12 boxes,” said Humenik talking about McDavid trading. “People asking, ‘Can I put one aside? How much is it going to be?’ The anticipation this year is higher than it’s been in many years.”
Joining McDavid were 38 other rookies who gathered at the Mattamy Athletic Centre for a daylong photo shoot co-ordinated by the California-based Upper Deck and the NHL Players’ Association.
Jack Eichel, who was selected No. 2 overall by the Buffalo Sabres, signed an exclusive multi-year deal with Leaf Trading Cards.
“You realize it’s more of a reality… people pay you for your autograph and it’s pretty neat,” said Eichel.
Both McDavid and Eichel will have a long way to go before their rookie card is worth as much as the some NHL legends. In 2011, a Wayne Gretzky NHL rookie card from 1979-80 sold for just over $94,000.
*With files from Mike Drolet
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