10 NHL rookies to watch as collectors target new Young Guns

NHL rookies have become some of the most exciting names in the card hobby, with collectors increasingly looking beyond established veterans for the next generation of superstars.

In recent years, several young prospects have shown that appeal. The arrivals of Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini generated enormous attention from both hockey collectors and the wider hobby.

Bedard, the No. 1 pick by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2023 NHL draft, entered the league as one of the most-hyped prospects in years. Celebrini followed as another highly-touted No. 1 overall pick in 2024 with the talent to become a cornerstone of the San Jose Sharks. Their emergence has reinforced the appeal of rookie cards, where collectors are often willing to buy players they believe could become the next generation of NHL stars.

The 2026-27 season offers another intriguing group of players to watch. Some, such as Gavin McKenna and Iver Stenberg, arrive with the lofty expectations that come with being top picks in the 2026 draft.

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Others, including Porter Martone, Anton Frondell and Konsta Helenius, have already gained valuable experience against NHL competition and could take significant steps forward this season.

Whether you collect rookie cards for the excitement, the investment potential or because you enjoy following the league’s rising stars, these 10 players are worth keeping on your radar as the new NHL season approaches.

McKenna is the Maple Leafs’ No. 1 overall pick from the 2026 NHL Draft and one of the most highly regarded young forwards in the game. The 18-year-old winger recorded 51 points in 35 games at Penn State last season and brings elite playmaking ability and offensive creativity.

McKenna’s Young Guns is expected to appear in Upper Deck Series 2 Hockey next year. He has a 2025-26 Bowman U NOW card.

A big, powerful forward who was selected sixth overall by the Flyers in the 2025 NHL Draft, Martone recorded 50 points in 35 games at Michigan State last season. He made an immediate NHL impact late last season and is expected to play a major role in Philadelphia this year.

Martone has several cards in Upper Deck CHL sets. Martone’s first pro card appears in 2026-27 UD MVP Hockey.

Selected second overall by San Jose in the 2026 NHL Draft, Stenberg is a highly skilled Swedish forward with impressive offensive instincts. He recorded 33 points in 43 Swedish league games last season.

He also starred internationally for Sweden at the World Junior Championship and World Championship and has appeared in SHL card sets.

The son of former NHL star Manny Malhotra, he was selected third overall by Vancouver in the 2026 NHL Draft after an outstanding season with the OHL’s Brantford Bulldogs.

The 6-foot-2 center combines size, playmaking ability and a strong two-way game, finishing with 84 points in 67 regular-season games. He has cards in UD CHL sets.

The talented Swedish forward and the No. 3 pick from the 2025 NHL Draft, Frondell could be an important part of Chicago’s young core. He split last season between Djurgardens in Sweden and the Blackhawks, scoring nine points in 12 NHL games and showing the ability to play center in North America.

Frondell has a Young Guns card in 2026-27 UD Series 1 Hockey. 

The Finnish center has established himself as one of Buffalo’s top young players. He led Rochester with 63 points in 63 AHL games last season before contributing in the NHL playoffs.

He also scored the overtime goal that gave Finland the 2026 IIHF World Championship gold medal. He has cards in the 2024-25 Upper Deck AHL set.

A dynamic center, Bjorck was chosen eighth overall by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2026 NHL Draft. Despite his smaller frame, he plays with tremendous speed.

He has already excelled against veteran competition in Sweden and internationally. Bjorck has cards in Swedish hockey card sets.

The only goaltender to make this list, Fowler has already gained NHL experience with the Canadiens. After posting a 2.23 goals-against average and .916 save percentage in 27 AHL games last season, Fowler appeared in 17 NHL games. He is expected to push for more playing time in Montreal this season.

Fowler has appeared in ONIT sets featuring him in a Boston College uniform.

A skilled defenseman, Hutson signed with the Capitals after an outstanding two-year career at Boston University. The 2024 second-round pick recorded 80 points in 74 NCAA games and has already appeared in the NHL. His vision, puck-moving ability and offensive instincts give Washington an intriguing young option this season.

His Young Guns card is expected in UD Series 2 Hockey. He has appeared in Topps Now NHL stickers.

After towering defenseman Matt Rempe, the Rangers are banking on another big blueliner. The 6-foot-3 Latvian, selected fifth overall by the Rangers in the 2026 NHL Draft, recorded 13 points in 38 games with Jukurit in Finland last season.

He has impressed the rebuilding Rangers with his size, composure and potential to make the jump to the NHL quickly. Smits has cards in Finnish card sets.