Alex Ovechkin signed rookie cards to make their debut in Upper Deck 2024-25 as hockey card prices moderate

Hockey collectors will be treated to a huge thrill this season as Alex Ovechkin, who just broke Wayne Gretzky's record for all-time goals scored, has signed eight of his classic 2005-06 Upper Deck Young Guns rookie cards. These signed treasures will be inserted randomly into the new Upper Deck 2024-25 Extended Series Hockey, building perhaps the most thrilling card chases in years. Meanwhile, the hobby is relieved as Connor Bedard's rookie-era box prices start to settle, ushering in a new era for collectors.
In news that is sending hobbyists abuzz, Upper Deck announced that Alex Ovechkin recently left his mark on history by scoring goal No. 895 on April 6, 2025, and has signed eight of his ultra-rare Young Guns rookie cards from the 2005-06 Series Two Hockey set. The price for such an unusual item could be staggering, particularly in light of the significance of his scoring record. Such cards are likely to become centrepiece items, potentially selling for six figures based on grading and the timing of the auction.
As the pursuit of Alex Ovechkin intensifies, the Connor Bedard card price effect is starting to wear off. Through the 2023-24 set cycle, Bedard's rookie cards caused product prices to skyrocket, essentially building what collectors referred to as a "Bedard tax". Upper Deck 2022-23 Black Diamond Hockey, for instance, launched at approximately $200 per box. Once Bedard's rookies flooded the 2023-24 set, that price doubled to almost $500.

But recent price action indicates that equilibrium is returning. The 2023-24 version of Black Diamond Hockey has since fallen to $300 a box. Meanwhile, Upper Deck 2023-24 Premier Hockey—which many thought would keep the Bedard price momentum going—was unexpectedly priced as low as $250 at launch. Demand was instant, and many hobby stores and breakers soon sold out.
In the future, Upper Deck 2023-24 Ultimate Hockey will arrive on May 7, 2025, with presale at a reasonable cost of $165 per box. Local card shops and collectors are already bracing for a large release day, with enthusiasm high following the success of recent launches and an Upper Deck move to a consumer-friendly price strategy.
Also read: Alex Ovechkin still has to defeat Wayne Gretzky's record
With Alex Ovechkin's autographed rookie cards surprisingly back in the Upper Deck 2024-25 Extended Series and Upper Deck going out of its way to keep the product affordable following Bedard, the hockey card hobby is at an exciting crossroads. Collectors can now look forward to chasing historic cards without the cost barriers of last season—and that's a win for the hobby and collectors alike.