Macklin Celebrini Young Guns Cards Take Over the Hockey Hobby with Upper Deck Series 2 Release

The release of 2024-25 Upper Deck Series 2 Hockey has sparked a frenzy among collectors as Macklin Celebrini’s Young Guns cards hit the market. With the San Jose Sharks’ No. 1 overall pick delivering a standout rookie season, fans and investors are racing to secure his highly coveted rookie cards, driving up values in the secondary market.

The Rise of a Future NHL Superstar​

Drafted first overall in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, Macklin Celebrini has quickly proven why he was the most sought-after prospect of his class. The 18-year-old phenom, known for his speed and offensive instincts, has been a bright spot in a rebuilding Sharks team, putting up strong performances night after night.

Nicknamed “The Cheetah” for his elite skating ability, Celebrini has drawn comparisons to other top picks like Connor Bedard and Auston Matthews. His playmaking skills, goal-scoring ability, and hockey IQ have made him one of the most exciting young players to watch. As the Calder Trophy race heats up, he remains a strong contender alongside Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson.

Upper Deck Series 2: A Must-Have Rookie Card​

With Upper Deck Series 2 officially out, collectors now have three distinct Macklin Celebrini Young Guns cards to chase. These cards have already sparked excitement across the hobby, with secondary market prices reflecting the growing demand.

The three Celebrini Young Guns cards featured in UD Series 2 include:

• Base Young Guns rookie card – The standard Celebrini rookie card, currently selling for $200 on eBay within just 24 hours of release.
• Young Guns "Teammates" card – Featuring fellow Sharks rookie Will Smith, valued around $20.
• Young Guns checklist card – Paired with Philadelphia Flyers rookie Matvei Michkov, this card has been selling for $25.

Given the soaring popularity of Young Guns releases, particularly for elite prospects, these cards are expected to remain highly sought after throughout the season.

Upper Deck’s Exclusive Deal & Autographed Cards​

Celebrini’s rising star power made him a prime target for Upper Deck, which secured an exclusive autograph deal with the young forward in July 2024. This means his autographed cards will only be available through Upper Deck products, further enhancing their desirability among collectors.

As Celebrini continues to shine, his early cards could follow the trajectory of Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, and other generational talents—transforming from highly anticipated rookie releases to long-term investments.

The Hype & Celebrini’s Response​

Despite the comparisons to Bedard and other elite young players, Celebrini remains focused on improving his game rather than getting caught up in the hype. In an interview with Puck Junk, he addressed the expectations surrounding him:

"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. I can’t really control the results, so I’m just going to focus on the day-to-day and try to get better."

With his talent, work ethic, and growing impact on the sport, Macklin Celebrini’s cards are poised to remain hot commodities. As the Young Guns chase intensifies, collectors and investors are well aware that this could be the start of something special in the hockey card market.