Top Rookie Young Guns to Collect in 2024-25 Upper Deck Series 1 Hockey
Each NHL season introduces a new wave of rookies with the potential to leave their mark on the league—and the 2024-25 Upper Deck Series 1 Hockey set is packed with talent. From highly skilled defensemen to dynamic scorers and promising goaltenders, this crop of Young Guns rookie cards is filled with future stars. Whether you're a collector or a hockey fanatic, these are the players worth knowing. The players are ranked using a combination of their current PSA 10 card value, performance during the 2024-25 season, and their potential.
Here’s a look at the top rookie Young Guns to watch in the 2024-25 Upper Deck Series 1 Hockey set:
1. Lane Hutson #229 – Montreal Canadiens (D)
A magician with the puck, Lane Hutson brings elite offensive instincts from the blue line. Known for his creativity and ability to quarterback a power play, he’s drawn comparisons to Quinn Hughes. Despite being undersized, his agility and hockey IQ more than make up for it. Expect highlight-reel passes and strong point production if he sticks in Montreal’s top four.
2. Frank Nazar #227 – Chicago Blackhawks (C)
Frank Nazar combines speed, energy, and high-end skill. Drafted 13th overall in 2022, Nazar turned heads with his relentless puck pursuit and offensive zone awareness. He could slot in as a top-six center alongside the Blackhawks' youth movement, and his two-way upside makes him one of the most well-rounded rookies in this set.
3. Logan Stankoven #244 – Dallas Stars (C)
At just 5'8", Logan Stankoven plays much bigger than his size. He's a tenacious forward with excellent hands, quick release, and a nonstop motor. After dominating in the AHL, he has earned his NHL shot and could become a fan favorite in Carolina, where he was traded to.
4. Cutter Gauthier #212 – Anaheim Ducks (LW)
A big-bodied winger with elite skating for his size, Cutter Gauthier blends power and finesse. Traded from Philadelphia to Anaheim in a blockbuster move, he’s now part of an exciting young Ducks core. Gauthier can drive play, shoot from anywhere, and has top-line potential written all over him.
5. Jesper Wallstedt #202 – Minnesota Wild (G)
Goaltenders often take longer to develop, but Jesper Wallstedt looks NHL-ready. Calm and technically sound, he tracks the puck with elite precision. Viewed as Minnesota’s goalie of the future, his Young Guns rookie could become a cornerstone for goalie collectors if he earns more starts this upcoming season.
6. Mavrik Bourque #215 – Dallas Stars (C)
Bourque’s offensive toolkit is impressive: elite vision, quick decision-making, and silky mitts. The 2020 first-rounder tallied big numbers in the AHL and could center a scoring line in Dallas if he sticks. His game resembles a playmaking pivot who can also finish—making him a potential sleeper hit in this set.
7. Olen Zellweger #236 – Anaheim Ducks (D)
He’s a mobile puck-moving D-man with the ability to rush the puck coast-to-coast. Though he’s not the biggest guy on the ice, his smooth skating and offensive anticipation make him a potential breakout player for Anaheim.
8. Matt Rempe #216 – New York Rangers (C)
Standing 6'9", Matt Rempe is an old-school enforcer with surprising hands and skating ability. He became a favorite in New York with his physical play and willingness to drop the gloves. While he may not rack up points, his presence adds grit to the Rangers’ lineup, and his personality makes his Young Guns card collectible.
9. Logan Mailloux #239 – Montreal Canadiens (D)
A talented blueliner, Logan Mailloux has a cannon of a shot and plays with physicality. He brings a high-risk, high-reward style that can shift the momentum of a game. If he finds consistency in his own end, he could become a long-term asset on Montreal’s back end.
10. Bradly Nadeau #208 – Carolina Hurricanes (LW)
Bradly Nadeau may be flying under the radar, but his scoring prowess is real. He lit up the BCHL before heading to the NCAA, showcasing elite puck skills and a sniper’s release. Carolina has a knack for developing under-the-radar talent, and Nadeau could be the next breakout in Raleigh.
Other Notable Rookies
🏒 Josh Doan #233 – Arizona Coyotes (RW)
🏒 Ivan Fedotov #220 – Philadelphia Flyers (G)
🏒 Joshua Roy #246 – Montreal Canadiens (RW)
🏒 Brad Lambert #228 – Winnipeg Jets (C)
🏒 Brennan Othmann #206 – New York Rangers (LW)
🏒 Zachary Bolduc #201 – St. Louis Blues (C)
🏒 Marat Khusnutdinov #243 – Minnesota Wild (C)
Final Thoughts
The 2024-25 Upper Deck Series 1 Hockey release introduces collectors to a balanced and intriguing Young Guns rookie class. From high-end talents like Hutson and Gauthier to intriguing long-term plays like Wallstedt and Zellweger, this set has something for every kind of hockey card collector.
Whether you're chasing star power, upside, or grit, these rookies are the ones to keep an eye on this season—and their Young Guns cards could become prized assets in your collection.
