The 2026 hockey card market is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in years.
A wave of young stars is rising fast, several breakout players are ready to take the next step and the hobby is already speculating on who will drive the biggest value jumps next season.
If you collect hockey cards or want to stay ahead of the hype, these are the NHL players you’ll want to track closely in 2026.
Players to Watch in 2026
Connor Bedard – Chicago Blackhawks
Bedard remains the face of the modern hobby.
His shot, vision and creativity are unmatched for his age.
If Chicago progresses as a team, his card market could soar even higher.
Adam Fantilli – Columbus Blue Jackets
Fantilli has size, speed and strong two-way instincts.
He showed flashes of high-end production in 2025.
A full healthy season could push him into stardom.
Leo Carlsson – Anaheim Ducks
Carlsson has elite hockey IQ and playmaking ability.
He continues to grow into a first-line role with Anaheim.
Collectors see long-term superstar potential.
Logan Cooley – Utah Hockey Club
Cooley is one of the most electrifying young skaters in the league.
His pace and offensive creativity give him massive breakout potential.
A strong 2026 season would send his cards trending up fast.
Matvei Michkov – Philadelphia Flyers
Michkov brings rare scoring talent and highlight-level skill.
As he settles into the NHL, his production should rise quickly.
Collectors love his superstar upside.
Shane Wright – Seattle Kraken
Wright is still developing, but the fundamentals are strong.
If he earns a top-six role and finds his rhythm, his value could climb.
He remains a long-term hold for many collectors.
Juraj Slafkovsky – Montreal Canadiens
Slafkovsky took big steps forward in 2025.
His size and power-forward style play well in the modern NHL.
If he keeps trending upward, his cards will follow.
FAQ
Which NHL players have the strongest long-term hobby value in 2026?
Connor Bedard, Leo Carlsson and Matvei Michkov lead the way for long-term collectability.
Who is the best sleeper pick for 2026?
Shane Wright is undervalued compared to his upside and could rebound strongly.
Are goalies worth collecting in the modern hobby?
Only elite goalies tend to hold long-term value, but standout seasons can spark short-term spikes.
What hockey cards should collectors target?
Young Guns rookies, O-Pee-Chee Platinum parallels, autos and low-numbered inserts remain the most desirable formats.
Which player could break out the fastest in 2026?
Logan Cooley has the style and opportunity to ignite early-season hype.
