2025-26 Rookie Class - Who you gonna collect?

[RGM81]

The first 2025-26 rookie cards will drop tomorrow when MVP is released. Though this product itself doesn't get a lot of hobby love, it's going to reveal a lot of names that collectors will be chasing throughout the season.

Who's on your radar?

For me, I think this is a pretty obvious one. Demidov is going to be a star, and he might even outpace Hutson from the current season's products. This is where the fun begins...

[FallenAngel]

Koblar, belle, and Hopkins from leafs and sabres kucharcik, mrtka

[30ranfordfan]

My answer is going to be obvious to anyone who knows my collecting habits: The Oilers!

Both Olivier Rodrigue & Quinn Hutson will be carry over RCs. Isaac Howard was acquired from Tampa Bay in a trade this offseason, and he's on the short list of players expected to contend for the Calder (I'm a little skeptical of that level of hype, but maybe?).

Though, I will admit - I won't be racing out to buy any early season RCs for these players. I'll likely wait until later in the season, and get one nicer one of each.

[RGM81]

@30ranfordfan I hit a Rodrigue RC from my MVP box.

[FallenAngel]

Also should say any goalie out there

[subban7677]

Demidov's prices will be ridiculous, especially right out of the gate, so I'll be picking up some older stuff.

[30ranfordfan]

@30ranfordfan I hit a Rodrigue RC from my MVP box.

@RGM81 Appreciate the thought, but not really interested. I'll chase something higher end later in the season. I don't imagine he'll get a full slate of RCs (his two NHL games are probably going to be his only two, he's not even in the Oilers system anymore) - but hoping for something with an autograph.

[RGM81]

@RGM81 Appreciate the thought, but not really interested. I'll chase something higher end later in the season. I don't imagine he'll get a full slate of RCs (his two NHL games are probably going to be his only two, he's not even in the Oilers system anymore) - but hoping for something with an autograph.

I'm hoping he gets a YG in Series 1. He was part of that 2020 WJC roster and I think he might be the last guy to get his NHL debut.

[30ranfordfan]

I'm hoping he gets a YG in Series 1. He was part of that 2020 WJC roster and I think he might be the last guy to get his NHL debut.

I think there's over 60 'carry over' rookies that would be eligible - so it's not a lock. That he's in MVP is a good sign though. I'm expecting he'll be in the first few releases (including a YG), missing from a lot of the mid-end stuff, but still in a couple of the auto'd RC sets. Maybe not a full slate, but more than just one or two.

They need to fill those checklists with players that are somewhat collectible. Being a goalie, and being an Oiler makes him a better 'hit' than a lot of the other no-names they could include.

[mikecole141]

Really hoping Jake Furlong progresses this year and gets into the Sharks lineup, even if only for a few games, then I'll have someone to chase. His cards will have the magical words 'Labrador City' in addition to "NL' on them too.