Top Rookie Young Guns to Collect in 2023-24 Upper Deck Series 1 Hockey
Every NHL season brings a new wave of young talent—and for hockey card collectors, that means one thing: Young Guns. The 2023-24 Upper Deck Series 1 set features an impressive rookie class filled with top prospects already making an impact on the ice. Whether you’re hunting for investment potential or adding fan favorites to your collection, these are the Young Guns you’ll want to keep an eye on from this year’s release.
The players are ranked using a combination of their current PSA 10 base Young Guns card value, performance during the 2024-25 season, and their potential.
1. Luke Hughes #248 – New Jersey Devils (D)
Luke Hughes has elite hockey bloodlines—he's the younger brother of Jack and Quinn Hughes—and he’s already showing he belongs at the NHL level. A smooth-skating defenseman with incredible offensive instincts, Hughes can quarterback the power play and log big minutes. As a top-5 pick and cornerstone for the Devils’ blueline, Hughes is arguably the most sought-after Young Guns card in Series 1.
2. Matthew Knies #222 – Toronto Maple Leafs (LW)
Knies made an immediate impression during the 2023 playoffs with the Leafs, showing poise well beyond his age. A strong power forward with soft hands, he brings much-needed grit and secondary scoring to Toronto’s top six. Being part of the Maple Leafs and playing alongside stars like Auston Matthews skyrockets Knies’ visibility and collector appeal.
3. Dustin Wolf #210 – Calgary Flames (G)
Despite being undersized for a modern goalie, Wolf has dominated every level he’s played at, including a historic AHL season that earned him MVP honors. His quick reflexes and unshakeable focus make him a future NHL starter. Top goalie rookies are always in demand, and Wolf may be the top netminder of the class.
4. Marco Kasper #241 – Detroit Red Wings (C)
Kasper is a gritty two-way center with leadership qualities and an aggressive motor. While not flashy, his well-rounded game is the kind of foundation Detroit is building around. Detroit’s passionate fan base and Kasper’s long-term upside make this a sleeper Young Gun to stash.
5. Brock Faber #215 – Minnesota Wild (D)
A homegrown star from Minnesota, Faber brings steady two-way play and a calming presence on the blueline. He’s already logging serious minutes and has been praised for his maturity and decision-making. Local ties and steady NHL performance could give this card lasting regional and hobby appeal.
6. Will Cuylle #213 – New York Rangers (LW)
Cuylle plays with a blend of size, grit, and scoring touch that’s ideal for bottom-six energy roles with upside. He’s tough on the forecheck and has enough hands to chip in offensively.
7. Simon Edvinsson #228 – Detroit Red Wings (D)
Towering and mobile, Edvinsson is a future top-pair defenseman with shades of Victor Hedman. His reach and mobility make him a nightmare in transition, and his offensive upside is just beginning to shine. If Edvinsson blossoms into a franchise defenseman, this Young Guns will rise quickly in value.
8. Yaroslav Askarov #204 – Nashville Predators (G)
Once touted as the best goalie prospect in the world, Askarov has all the tools—size, agility, and raw athleticism. His aggressive style stands out, and he’s expected to be a future star in Nashville. Goalies are a longer-term investment, but Askarov has serious star power if he becomes the Predators' starter.
9. Matthew Coronato #201 – Calgary Flames (RW)
Coronato is a goal scorer through and through. His quick release and offensive instincts have translated at every level. He could become a top-line winger in Calgary if given the right opportunity. As a scorer with a strong pedigree, Coronato could spike in popularity quickly.
10. Tyson Foerster #225 – Philadelphia Flyers (RW)
Foerster has emerged as one of the Flyers’ most exciting young talents. He has a lethal shot and sees the ice well, making him a dangerous playmaker and shooter on the wing.
Other Notable Rookies
🏒 Ridly Greig #212 – Ottawa Senators (C)
🏒 Devon Levi #237 – Buffalo Sabres (G)
🏒 Owen Beck #214 – Montreal Canadiens (C)
🏒 Luke Evangelista #221 – Nashville Predators (RW)
🏒 Jaxson Stauber #207 – Chicago Blackhawks (G)
🏒 Jakob Pelletier #208 – Calgary Flames (LW)
Final Thoughts
The 2023-24 Upper Deck Series 1 set has one of the strongest rookie checklists in recent memory. From elite defensemen like Luke Hughes and Simon Edvinsson to breakout forwards like Matthew Knies and Tyson Foerster, there’s no shortage of star potential in this crop. Whether you're building a long-term investment portfolio or just chasing your favorite team’s future, these Young Guns are the cornerstone cards worth adding to your collection.
