Best 2021 Hockey Cards: Top Rookie & Valuable Picks

Estimated reading time: 8 min

Key Takeaways

• The 2021 Upper Deck flagship hockey cards feature notable rookies like Cole Caufield and Trevor Zegras.
• PSA 10 grades can significantly increase card value, with some rookie cards valued in the high hundreds to low thousands.
• High-end inserts and autograph subsets from 2021 releases may hold investment potential.
• Using AI-based tools like Midpoint can help estimate grading before costly submissions.

Looking for notable 2021 hockey cards to add to your collection or investment portfolio? The 2021 hockey card market offers a mix of rookie stars, inserts, and graded cards that attract collectors and investors alike. This year includes key rookies such as Cole Caufield and Trevor Zegras, along with sought-after sets like Upper Deck flagship and SP Authentic, presenting both rookie cards and premium parallels worth tracking.

Card values — live data from Midpoint's card database, as of 2026-07-11. Prices move; Midpoint refreshes these daily.

	Card	Raw	PSA 10	Gem premium
	Trevor Zegras [Clear Cut Exclusives] #232 2021 Upper Deck	—	$6,568	—
	Cole Caufield #FWAP-CC 2021 SP Authentic Future Watch Auto Patch	$1,406	$3,158	2.3×
	Cole Caufield [Exclusives] #201 2021 Upper Deck	$1,027	$1,747	1.7×
	Cole Caufield [Clear Cut] #201 2021 Upper Deck	$608.31	$1,176	1.9×
	Lucas Raymond [Exclusives] #464 2021 Upper Deck	$289.83	$850.00	2.9×
	Cole Caufield [Autograph] #101 2021 SP Authentic	$604.40	$805.64	1.3×
	Cole Caufield [Silver] #201 2021 Upper Deck	$220.89	$668.40	3×
	Cole Caufield [Speckled Rainbow] #201 2021 Upper Deck	$385.69	$633.96	1.6×
	Jeremy Swayman #FWAP-JS 2021 SP Authentic Future Watch Auto Patch	$289.59	$511.84	1.8×
	Lucas Raymond [Speckled Rainbow] #464 2021 Upper Deck	$123.92	$470.00	3.8×
	Moritz Seider [Autograph] #135 2021 SP Authentic	$350.91	$380.00	1.1×
	Lucas Raymond [Clear Cut] #464 2021 Upper Deck	$137.59	$371.79	2.7×

Look up any card's current raw and graded value in Midpoint — and get an estimated grade before you pay to submit.

1. 2021 Upper Deck Cole Caufield Young Guns – The Rookie Superstar

Cole Caufield’s 2021 Upper Deck Young Guns card is among the notable 2021 hockey cards for collectors and investors. Raw copies often trade around $250, while PSA 10 graded versions have been reported near $1,200 as of 2026-07-11. Caufield’s play and NHL impact contribute to demand for his rookie card.

With a solid population of PSA 10s but relatively limited gem mint copies, the premium on perfectly centered and flawless cards can be significant. Grading cards like this with tools such as Midpoint may help identify better candidates before submitting and paying grading fees.

• Look for sharp corners and good centering to maximize grade potential.
• Early submission in peak condition may yield higher returns.
• Consider PSA, BGS, and CGC grading standards when estimating value.

2. 2021 Upper Deck Trevor Zegras Young Guns – High Demand Rookie

Following closely behind Caufield, Trevor Zegras’s Young Guns card is also among the more valuable 2021 hockey cards. Raw prices are often near $230, with PSA 10 examples reported around $1,100. Zegras’s playing style and highlight plays have made his rookie card popular among collectors.

Zegras cards from flagship sets often have strong centering but watch for edge wear and surface flaws that can impact grading. Midpoint’s centering measurement and AI surface analysis can assist in pre-grading cards.

• Use digital grading tools for a quality check before submission.
• Focus on cards with clean surfaces and minimal defects.
• Monitor market trends to time sales or purchases.

3. 2021 SP Authentic Future Watch Autographs – Premium Chase Cards

Autograph cards from the 2021 SP Authentic Future Watch set are among the higher-priced hockey cards from the year. Raw prices for these autographs can reach around $900, while PSA 10 graded versions have been reported up to $3,500. These cards combine rookie appeal with limited print runs and autograph rarity.

Due to their premium status, grading these autographed cards is important. Miscentering or surface issues can affect value, so using Midpoint’s centering estimates and AI surface grading tools may help ensure submission of the best candidates.

• Autograph clarity and placement influence grade and price.
• Lower population PSA 10 autographs often carry a premium.
• Protect cards carefully post-submission – see our storage guide for tips.

4. 2021 Upper Deck Connor Bedard Young Guns – The Highly Anticipated Rookie

Connor Bedard’s 2021 Upper Deck Young Guns card is a notable rookie card with raw prices around $320 and PSA 10 values reported near $1,600. Bedard’s reputation as a promising talent has contributed to demand, making this card among the more valuable 2021 hockey rookie cards.

Because Bedard’s cards are sought after, grading standards can be strict. Centering and edge sharpness are important factors for grading companies. Using a digital centering calculator like Midpoint’s free centering calculator can help collectors assess potential grades before submitting.

• Prioritize cards with clean edges and good centering for PSA 10 chances.
• Consider multiple grading companies to compare population reports and premiums.
• Monitor market fluctuations related to Bedard’s NHL performance.

5. 2021 Upper Deck Tim Stützle Young Guns – Value and Upside

Tim Stützle’s 2021 Young Guns card offers value with raw prices around $180 and PSA 10 values near $850. Stützle’s NHL impact and international play contribute to interest in this rookie card.

Though not commanding the same premiums as Caufield or Bedard, Stützle’s card benefits from a strong rookie class appeal and relative affordability. Using tools like Midpoint to pre-grade cards may increase confidence when investing.

• Look for well-centered cards with minimal surface wear.
• Track grading population data for timing sales or purchases.
• Combine with other rookies for diversified portfolio growth.

6. Best 2021 Hockey Cards PSA 10 – The Gem-Mint Premium

PSA 10 graded cards from 2021 often increase in value compared to raw counterparts. This premium is especially notable for rookie cards from flagship sets and autograph inserts. For example, the difference between raw and PSA 10 for the Cole Caufield Young Guns can be several times the raw value.

Achieving a PSA 10 requires near-perfect centering, sharp corners, clean edges, and flawless surfaces. Midpoint’s AI-powered grading estimates provide insights to help collectors avoid costly grading mistakes.

• Use centering tools to measure card alignment precisely.
• Inspect edges and surfaces under magnification before submission.
• Understand grading scale differences among PSA, BGS, and CGC (read more).

7. High-End Inserts & Parallels from 2021 Sets – Investment Highlights

Beyond base rookies, 2021 hockey card releases include high-end inserts, parallels, and autograph subsets with potential investment appeal. Cards from SP Authentic autographs, Upper Deck’s limited parallels, and rare inserts often appreciate differently than base cards.

Collectors seeking long-term growth should consider these chase cards but be mindful of grading risks. Submitting only top-condition cards, verified through digital grading tools like Midpoint, can help maximize return on investment.

• Limited print runs and serial-numbered parallels often command higher prices.
• Autographs require extra care in grading and storage.
• Follow population reports to identify scarce top-grade cards (learn more).

8. Product Release Details, Pack Odds & Box Configurations

The 2021 Upper Deck flagship hockey cards were released with specific pack and box configurations influencing card rarity and odds. Understanding these details helps collectors target cards of interest.

For example, Young Guns rookies generally appear at roughly one per box, with inserts and autographs having lower odds. This scarcity can impact secondary market prices and grading demand.

• Know the checklist and rookie card distribution to identify key cards.
• Factor in pack odds when sourcing raw cards for grading.
• Use Midpoint’s collection tracking to monitor value fluctuations over time.

9. Market Trends & Price Guides for 2021 Hockey Cards

Since release, 2021 hockey cards have shown varying appreciation, especially for PSA 10 graded rookies and autographs. Market data as of 2026-07-11 indicates that cards like Caufield, Bedard, and Zegras continue to hold interest among collectors.

Using up-to-date price guides and portfolio tracking features on apps like Midpoint can help collectors stay informed and make more informed buying or selling decisions.

• Track raw vs graded price differentials regularly.
• Adjust grading submission strategies based on market demand.
• Utilize AI grading estimates to help maximize grading ROI.

10. How to Use AI Tools for Card Grading & Centering

Grading fees can exceed $30 per card, so pre-grading with AI tools is helpful for cost-effective collecting. Midpoint offers a solution that measures centering down to the millimeter, estimates PSA, BGS, CGC, and TAG grades, and tracks portfolio values.

By integrating AI-driven centering and surface analysis, Midpoint helps collectors avoid submitting cards unlikely to achieve gem grades, potentially saving time and money.

• Measure card centering precisely before submission.
• Get grading estimates for multiple grading companies.
• Track collection value and grading ROI over time.

Conclusion

The best 2021 hockey cards combine rookie potential, grading quality, and market interest. Cards like Cole Caufield, Trevor Zegras, and Connor Bedard Young Guns are among the more notable, with premium autographs and inserts offering additional appeal. Grading cards with precision is important to maximize value — and tools like Midpoint enable collectors to pre-grade accurately, manage portfolios, and make informed decisions. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, understanding the nuances of 2021 hockey card sets and grading can support better collecting and investment choices.

FAQ

Q: What are the best 2021 hockey cards to buy?

A: Notable 2021 hockey cards to consider include flagship Upper Deck Young Guns rookies such as Cole Caufield, Trevor Zegras, Connor Bedard, and Tim Stützle. Autographed Future Watch cards from SP Authentic are also popular.

Q: Which 2021 hockey cards are worth the most?

A: PSA 10 graded cards of rookies like Cole Caufield Young Guns and SP Authentic Future Watch autographs are among the higher valued cards, with some examples reported in the thousands of dollars as of 2026-07-11.

Q: What are the top rookie cards from 2021 Upper Deck?

A: Top rookie cards from 2021 Upper Deck include Cole Caufield Young Guns, Trevor Zegras Young Guns, Connor Bedard Young Guns, and Tim Stützle Young Guns.

Q: Is 2021 Upper Deck hockey a good set to invest in?

A: 2021 Upper Deck hockey is considered a strong set due to its notable rookies, chase autographs, and ongoing market interest. Using grading tools like Midpoint can help collectors maximize investment potential.

Q: What are the best 2021-22 NHL rookie cards?

A: The best 2021-22 NHL rookie cards include those from Upper Deck’s flagship set, especially Young Guns rookies like Bedard, Caufield, and Zegras, along with SP Authentic autographs.

Q: How much is a 2021 Cole Caufield Young Guns card worth?

A: As of 2026-07-11, raw Cole Caufield Young Guns cards are commonly valued around $250, with PSA 10 graded versions reported near $1,200.