PUCK CULTURE

Before going pro – and getting an NHL rookie card – most players already have at least one card picturing them with their junior, college or international team. Here are 10 interesting ‘pre-rookie’ cards of some of today’s biggest stars

BY SAL BARRY

‘PRE-ROOKIE’ CARDS OF 2020s STARS 1. AUSTON MATTHEWS 2015-16 ZSC Lions Postcard A year before the Toronto Maple Leafs drafted Matthews first overall, he played in Europe with the ZSC Lions of the Swiss National League. That season, the Lions released an oversized set of cards that included a then-17-year-old Matthews. What makes it even cooler is that all the cards in the set were autographed by the players, making this pre-rookie card of Matthews one of his earliest signed collectibles, too. 2. CONNOR BEDARD 2022-23 Regina Pats The 2024 Calder Trophy winner re-ignited the hockey-card market with the buzz over his various rookie cards issued during 2023-24. But before that, Bedard appeared on more than 300 cards, picturing him with either the Canadian national junior team or the WHL’s Regina Pats. One of Bedard’s last…

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The Hockey News (Digital) - 1 Issue, Prospects Unlimited 2024-25

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