New crop of hot rookies ready to take NHL, hockey card market by storm

As the NHL turns the page to the 2025-26 season, a new wave of talent is poised to make its mark.

The 2025 draft class, along with recent graduates from college, junior, and European leagues, represents a fresh injection of youth— players who don’t just promise to fill out rosters, but have the skill and maturity to become centerpieces.

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From elite centers to shutdown defensemen, this season’s top prospects arrive with both hype and pedigree, ready to carve out their place in a league that keeps getting younger and faster. For collectors, it is yet another opportunity to speculate on players as new card releases are scheduled to be rolled out in the coming months.

“The level of talent that has been coming through the NHL has been tremendous,” said Michael Phillips, Upper Deck’s executive vice president of sales and marketing. “For us, that’s the most important thing. Rookies drive the business. To have this many new rookies come through is important because it helps us create compelling products. This year, there’s a host of guys that are going to make a big impact on the NHL.”   

Here’s a closer look at the top 10 rookies who could make an impact on the hobby this season.

A smooth-skating, puck-moving defenseman with a high hockey IQ, Schaefer combines offensive instincts with physicality and versatility. As the No. 1 overall pick, he’s expected to contend for an NHL roster spot immediately and has the potential to develop into a star.

While his Young Guns card is likely to come out next year, collectors can buy his 2024-25 UD Team Canada Juniors card.

A proven scorer, Misa showed elite playmaking, vision and a relentless 200-foot game. Drafted second overall this year, he projects as a dynamic scoring center who could emerge as a marquee player for the rebuilding Sharks.

Misa appears in the 2024-25 UD CHL set. 

A hard-working, defensively responsible center for Montreal, Demidov impressed enough to be in the NHL conversation for early lineup roles. With his drive and maturity, the Russian, drafted No. 5 overall in 2024, has emerged as a compelling Calder Trophy candidate.

Demidov’s first rookie card appears in the 2025-26 UD MVP set.

A two-way center, Desnoyers excels in all situations and consistently makes his teammates better. Despite a wrist surgery sidelining him for about 12 weeks, he’s expected to return as a reliable contributor.

He has a card in the 2023-24 UD CHL set.

A physically mature winger with elite puck-carrying skills and creativity, Martone can drive offense and is key on the power play. If he refines his consistency, he could emerge as a top‑line power‑play threat this season for the Flyers.

He has a 2024-25 Team Canada Juniors card.

Another creative center with strong skating abilities and puck vision, Hagens has drawn praise for his smoothness and scoring prowess during high-level competition. If he remains injury-free, Hagens is expected to be a regular in the lineup for the Bruins this season.

He appears on a 2024-25 ONIT Boston College card.

An elite passer who has averaged almost an assist per game in the minors, O’Brien shines at manipulating defenders and feeding teammates. Though not blazing fast, his smarts and playmaking project him as a center with high potential.

He, too, has a 2024-25 UD CHL card.

Built like a tank, the Swedish-born center is another promising prospect with a superb shot who can be trusted in all situations. The No. 3 overall pick this year, who can also play on the wing, is a sign that the Blackhawks are committed to rebuilding following several seasons of futility.

Frondell has no trading cards, but is expected to appear in Upper Deck releases only after he makes his NHL debut.

Another highly-skilled Swedish player, this winger has a knack for scoring. He’s already made his NHL debut and expected to be a dynamic offensive weapon for Vancouver in his rookie season.

Although he’s still considered a rookie, he has a Young Guns card in 2024-25 Extended Series. 

A small, but strong offensive player, Perreault made his NHL debut last season and could contribute creatively as he continues to fight for a roster spot on a Rangers team looking to make the playoffs after missing out last season.

He has a 2025-26 MVP rookie card.