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One of the most anticipated names in hockey for several years, collectors finally got their wish as "The Next One" made his official NHL debut and Connor McDavid rookie cards soon followed. Although just a teenager at the time, many appointed McDavid as the budding king of the hobby and his cards have only increased in popularity. In the long run, Connor McDavid rookie cards have the potential to not only be the biggest from 2015-16, but in all of NHL card collecting.
Coming as no surprise, the Edmonton Oilers made Connor McDavid the first overall pick of the 2015 NHL Draft. While his official 2015-16 hockey rookie cards were limited until the midway point in the season, many early cards were already available.
Check out the key cards that pre-date his NHL career in our detailed prospect and pre-rookie guide.
Although Upper Deck holds the sole rightsfor NHL cards, the card company removed any doubt regarding McDavid'sautograph cards with an exclusive agreement that makes UD the only place to find his signed cardboard. They later added an autographed memorabilia exclusive.
The first live, pack-pulled NHL rookie card for McDavid is found in 2015-16 Upper Deck Series 1 Hockey, with many more after that.
Upper Deck also releaseda special commemorative product that is dedicated just to the young star:2015-16 Upper Deck Connor McDavid Collection.
See also: Real-Time Connor McDavid Cards Hot List
Connor McDavid Rookie Card Checklist and Gallery
Shop for cards or check values using the eBay links below. Bolded set links go directly to applicable product profiles and checklists.
2015-16 Fleer Showcase Connor McDavid RC #189 Autographed Patch #/299
In addition to a bevy of 1990s-themed inserts like Precious Metal Gems, 2015-16 Fleer Showcaseoffers an intriguing autographed patch for Connor McDavid rookie collectors. At 299 copies, the RC is rare but still plentiful enough to keep values from going crazy. While thesticker autograph is not preferred, the design does a solid job of incorporatingit and the moderate jersey patchgives it more appeal.
2015-16 O-Pee-Chee #1 Draft Pick Oilers Puzzle Redemption Card #/97
An early Connor McDavid option that received a lot of attention, the #1 Draft Pick card in 2015-16 OPC took some extra work.Collectors had to track down all nine pieces of the puzzle from packs of OPC and send them to Upper Deck.
With overall odds of 1:104 packs, this was not the easiest set to make. Capped at only 97 copies, the promotion filled fairly quickly. These are not easy cards to find.
2015-16 O-Pee-Chee Platinum Connor McDavid RC #190 Autograph
Although he missed out on the main OPC set earlier in the year, collectors can get their Connor McDavid O-Pee-Chee fix with a splash of chromium. The on-card 2015-16 OPC Platinum autograph comes in a variety of parallels of varying colors and rarity.
The base autograph card is not numbered, but Upper Deck revealed he is part of the Group C signers (1:704 packs).
His Marquee Rookie insert (#M-1) is also popular.
2015-16 SP Authentic Connor McDavid RC #226 Autograph #/999
One of the most plentiful numbered autographs for McDavid, 2015-16 SP Authentic carries a strong tradition with collectors. In addition to the base Future Watch Autograph for McDavid, there is also an autographed patch version that is numbered to 100 copies and a limited-edition black card.
2015-16 SP Game Used Connor McDavid RC #197 #/97
Despite not offering anything extra, like an autograph or relic, the 2015-16 SP Game Used rookie for McDavid will go down as one of his rarest at just 97 copies. There are also several relic parallels that are easier to track down.
2015-16 SPx Connor McDavid RC #169 Autographed Jersey #/399
The design might not be foreveryone and the tiny jersey pieces really don't add much, but 2015-16 SPx certainly has its share of fans. The slightly higher print run makes it one of the most common autograph jersey cards among the Connor McDavid rookies.
2015-16 UD Black Connor McDavid RC #85 Autograph #/199
Loaded with foil and anespecially striking look thanks to the silver signature, 2015-16 UD Black gives collectors another on-card autograph for McDavid. Limited inserts in the product offer gold ink signatures.
2015-16 Ultimate Collection Connor McDavid RC #109 Autograph #/99
While the segmented boxes make for an odd design, the Ultimate name still helps carry strong interest for this Connor McDavid rookie card. 2015-16 Ultimate Collectionincludes a base autograph, a relic-only version and a limited autographed relic.
2015-16 Upper Deck Series 1 Young Guns Connor McDavid RC #201
The first official rookie card for Connor McDavid is availablein UD Series 1 and is still his top overall choice for many collectors. TheYoung Guns line has emerged as the go-to baserookie cards for hockey fans, and this card has been eagerly anticipated since he was taken with the first pick in the 2015 NHL Draft.
In addition to several YG parallels, McDavidis included alongside Sam Bennett on the Young Guns checklist card (#250).
Collectors looking for McDavid's Canvas card need to check outSeries 2. Series 2 is also home to his OPC Update rookie card.
Signed buybacks (hand-numbered to 97) came in 2017-18 SP Authentic.
2015-16 Upper Deck Artifacts Connor McDavid Redemptions - Base #RED205, Autograph/Relic/Autograph Relic #I
The most popular and plentiful of the Connor McDavid rookie redemptions, 2015-16 Artifactsincludes a base versionand several premium choices. The Roman numeral (#I) redemptions are found as relics, autographs, or autograph relics.
2015-16 Upper Deck Black Diamond Connor McDavid RC #BDR-CM Quad Diamond #/99
Featuring a quartet of gems, 2015-16 Black Diamondshould remainone of the higher-end rookie options for McDavid despite not addinghis signature. A print run of just 99 virtually guarantees strong values for the foreseeable future.
2015-16 Upper Deck Champs Connor McDavid RC #315, #321
Rebooting a former brand, 2015-16 Upper Deck Champ'sincludes a pair of Connor McDavid short prints in the base set. Part of a 45-card group that falls 1:5 packs, card #315 has him looking ahead. Much more difficult to find is #321, which shows McDavid looking to theside. This Rare Rookies subset card averages 1:600 packs across the six subjects.
2015-16 Upper Deck Contours Connor McDavid RC #131 Autographed Jersey #/199
Found amongst a mix of hockey stars and celebrity fans, the Connor McDavid rookie is still the main draw in 2015-16 Contours. The die-cut design makes for anon-traditionallook, but the on-card signature, large patch and rarity keep it higher on the collecting radar. A limited Gold Patch parallel brings that total down to 35 copies.
2015-16 Upper Deck Full Force Connor McDavid RC #101
Part of the Full Force Freshmen subset, the 3D rookie for Connor McDavid is a unique option for collectors as lenticular cards are not normally used as officialrookies. The card is found in the debut2015-16 UD Full Force product that emphasizes inserts and various card technologies reminiscent of the hobby in the 1990s. Given the 23-card checklist and overall hobby odds of 1:18 packs, these are no easy pull. There is also a large variety of other inserts for McDavid, including foil, acetate and die-cuts.
2015-16 Upper Deck Ice Connor McDavid RC #200 #/99
It may not have an autograph, relic, or even a diamond, but the2015-16 Upper Deck Icerookie card for Connor McDavid does have a very limited print run of 99 in addition to acetate stock. There is a signed version that is slightly more plentiful at 125 copies.
2015-16 Upper Deck MVP #1 Draft Pick Redemption Card
This redemption from 2015-16 MVP Hockeyoffers collectors the very first chance at a Connor McDavid rookie card pulled from a standard set. While it is not ideal for collectors to have to wait, this rare card holds a special place for many collectors.
The Connor McDavid redemption card is a tough pull at 1:960 hobby packs or 1:9,600 retail/blaster packs. There is also a signed version that is much more elusive at 1:10,250 hobby packs.
2015-16 Upper Deck MVP Rookie Redemptions Connor McDavid #278 (Pacific Divison)
Another McDavid rookie redemption in MVP, this card comes as part of the eight-card set that also includes Max Domi.
2015-16 Upper Deck Portfolio Connor McDavid RC #250 (Color), #315 (Wire), #330 (Color Art), #340 (B/W Art
Giving collectors considerable base variety, 2015-16 Upper Deck Portfoliofeatures four different Connor McDavid rookie cards. The color Rookie Phenom is the most common while the Black & White Art Card is the rarest.
2015-16 Upper Deck PremierConnor McDavid RC #115 Autographed Jersey #/19
Combining acetate with an on-card signature and jersey swatch, 2015-16 Upper Deck Premier is anything but simple. Limited to 199 copies, there are a few parallels that push that number much lower.
2015-16 Upper Deck The Cup Connor McDavid RC #197 Autographed Patch #/99
The pinnacle of high-end rookie cards, The Cup needs no introduction. When you add the most celebrated rookie in years to the most valuable set each season, huge sales follow2015-16 UD The Cup.
2015-16 Upper Deck Tim Hortons #1 Draft Pick Redemption
This rare redemption option for McDavid is foundin the insanely popular Tim Hortons promotional set.
At 1:16,470 packs, these are quite tough to hit.
2015-16 Upper Deck Trilogy Connor McDavid RC #101 #/999, #134 Autograph #/499, #167 Autograph #/49, #200 Triple Autograph #/25 (w/ Larkin, Domi
Collectors are treated to multiple Connor McDavid rookie card tiers and rarities in2015-16 Trilogy. In addition to the base Level 1 Rookie Premieres version that is numbered to 999, collectors can find two different signed cards for McDavid (Uncommon and Rare) and a triple signature that also includes sticker autographs for Max Domi and Dylan Larkin.
2015-16 UD Exquisite Collection Rookies Connor McDavid
While it was issued as an insert in2015-16 Black Diamond, the Exquisite Collection rookie cards for McDavid still seesconsiderable interest and value. The Jerseyversion is more common with 199 copies and there is a base Gold Spectrum option that is limited to 97. McDavidalso has more Exquisite cards in 2015-16 UD Ice, including the base card under the brand (#/299) and 2003-04 Exquisite Tribute Autographed Patch.
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The article you shared delves into the realm of hockey card collecting, specifically focusing on the debut and subsequent popularity of Connor McDavid rookie cards from the 2015-16 NHL season. It covers various card sets, their unique features, scarcity, and the escalating interest in McDavid's cards as he emerged as a standout player in the sport.
The concepts and elements covered in the article include:
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Connor McDavid's NHL Debut: It highlights the anticipation and subsequent debut of Connor McDavid in the NHL, emphasizing the significance of his rookie cards in the hobby.
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Upper Deck's Exclusive Rights: Upper Deck's exclusivity in producing NHL cards, particularly McDavid's autographed cards, contributed significantly to the hype surrounding his rookie cards.
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Specific Card Sets and Features:
- 2015-16 Fleer Showcase Connor McDavid RC #189 Autographed Patch #/299: Noteworthy for its autographed patch, rarity, and design elements.
- 2015-16 O-Pee-Chee, O-Pee-Chee Platinum: Different variants featuring autographs, chromium finish, and varying rarity levels.
- 2015-16 SP Authentic, SP Game Used: Highlighting numbered autographs, rare rookie editions, and limited prints.
- 2015-16 UD Black, Ultimate Collection, Upper Deck Series 1 Young Guns: Various autographed versions and rarity levels.
- 2015-16 Upper Deck Artifacts, Black Diamond, Champs, Contours, Full Force, Ice, MVP, Portfolio, Premier, The Cup, Tim Hortons, Trilogy, Exquisite Collection: Each set features unique designs, autographed variations, limited editions, and varying scarcity.
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Limited Editions and Rarity: The article details the limited quantities of certain cards, often numbered to a specific amount, contributing to their value and collectibility.
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Redemption Cards: Discusses redemption cards from different sets and the rarity associated with them, adding an extra layer of complexity to collecting.
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Variety in Card Designs: It highlights the diversity in design elements, including 3D cards, acetate stock, lenticular cards, die-cuts, foil, and various technologies reminiscent of the 1990s.
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Market Values and Sales: The article showcases the market values of these cards, reflecting the demand and varying prices collectors are willing to pay for different editions and conditions.
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Card Grading and Authentication: Mentions specific graded and authenticated cards, emphasizing their high value in the collector's market.
Overall, the article provides an extensive overview of the range, rarity, and significance of Connor McDavid's rookie cards from the 2015-16 NHL season, showcasing the depth and complexity of the hockey card collecting hobby.
