Danglin' the Biscuit: October 2025 Edition
Premium Hockey Card Market Trends – October 2025
The NHL season is in full swing, and the hockey card market is heating up! Whether you're a seasoned collector or just getting started, understanding which players and cards are trending can help you make smarter buying and selling decisions.
At Fan-Tastic Cards & Comics in Asheville, NC, we use Hobby Hero—a powerful market intelligence tool—to track real-time sales data and identify premium cards that are gaining or losing momentum. This month, we're spotlighting four elite players whose cards are making waves in the $10-$100 range, perfect for collectors looking to invest in quality without breaking the bank.
Let's dive into the data!
What is Hobby Hero?
Hobby Hero is a cutting-edge market analytics platform that tracks real-time sales data across thousands of hockey cards. It analyzes:
- Trending ratios: How many cards are selling above vs. below recent averages
- Sales velocity: How quickly cards are moving
- Price momentum: Whether values are climbing or cooling
This data (current through September 2025) helps us identify which players and cards are hot—and which ones might be losing steam. All cards featured in this article are verified through Hobby Hero's dataset and cross-referenced with sportscardpro.com for pricing accuracy.
HEATING UP 🔥
1. Nathan MacKinnon – Colorado Avalanche
Trending Ratio: 306 Up / 215 Down (1.42:1)
MacKinnon is set to have another stellar season, and collectors are taking notice. His premium inserts from 2024 Upper Deck Artifacts are showing strong sales activity, with both high-end and mid-tier parallels gaining traction.
Featured Cards:
2024 Upper Deck Artifacts Pink /35
Price: ~$31
This vibrant pink parallel offers strong sales activity and widespread availability, making it a solid mid-tier option for MacKinnon collectors.
2024 Upper Deck Breaking News Red /99
Price: ~$11
The Breaking News insert captures MacKinnon's elite performance with bold design and limited availability at /99. An affordable entry point into premium MacKinnon inserts.
Why He's Hot: MacKinnon's consistent performance and the Avalanche's offensive firepower are driving demand. His Artifacts parallels are trading frequently, and Hobby Hero shows sustained upward momentum.
2. Artemi Panarin – New York Rangers
Trending Ratio: 290 Up / 168 Down (1.73:1)
Panarin continues to be one of the most electrifying playmakers in the NHL, and his premium cards are reflecting that excitement. From high-end autographs to iconic insert sets, Panarin's market is thriving.
Featured Cards:
2024 Skybox Metal Universe Red PMG /100
Price: ~$30
The iconic Precious Metal Gems parallel is a collector favorite. Limited to /100, this card combines eye-catching design with strong resale potential.
2024 SP Authentic Limited Autograph
Price: ~$37
An on-card autograph from one of the premier sets in hockey. SP Authentic's reputation for quality makes this a must-have for Panarin PC builders.
Why He's Hot: Panarin's offensive production along with a strong start for the Rangers' can see a bullish trend on his cards. The combination of autographs and premium inserts is driving consistent sales.
COOLING DOWN ❄️
3. Kirill Kaprizov – Minnesota Wild
Trending Ratio: 266 Up / 210 Down (1.27:1)
Kaprizov remains one of the NHL's most dynamic offensive players, but his market has cooled slightly as collectors take profits after a strong summer. This presents a potential buying opportunity for patient investors who believe in his long-term value.
Featured Cards:
2024 O-Pee-Chee Orange Border /25
Price: ~$13
O-Pee-Chee's classic design meets modern scarcity. The /25 Orange Border is a collector staple with consistent demand and affordable entry point.
22024 Upper Deck Artifacts Material Emerald /35
Price: ~$55
A premium memorabilia parallel limited to just /35. The Emerald's striking color and game-used material make this a standout piece for serious Kaprizov collectors.
Why He's Cooling: After a strong summer, Kaprizov's market is experiencing a natural correction. However, his elite skill set and the Wild's competitive roster ensure long-term value, making this a potential buy-low window.
4. Auston Matthews – Toronto Maple Leafs
Trending Ratio: 370 Up / 296 Down (1.25:1)
Matthews is still one of the NHL's premier goal scorers, but his market has softened slightly as collectors rotate into other players. His O-Pee-Chee and Upper Deck inserts remain actively traded.
Featured Cards:
2024 O-Pee-Chee Orange Border /25
Price: ~$36
O-Pee-Chee's classic design meets modern scarcity. The /25 Orange Border is a collector staple with consistent demand.
2024 Upper Deck Clear Cut
Price: ~$11
The Clear Cut insert's unique acetate design and widespread availability make it a popular choice for Matthews collectors on a budget.
Why He's Cooling: Matthews' market is experiencing a seasonal dip, but his elite talent ensures long-term value. This could be an opportune time to add to your collection.
Final Thoughts
The hockey card market is dynamic, and understanding trends can give you a competitive edge—whether you're buying, selling, or holding. The cards featured here represent a sweet spot: premium quality, strong liquidity, and prices that won't empty your wallet.
Ready to explore these cards in person? Visit us at Fan-Tastic Cards & Comics in Asheville, NC, or follow us on Instagram @FantasticCardsComics for daily updates, new arrivals, and exclusive deals!
Sources: Hobby Hero (data through September 2025), sportscardpro.com, NHL.com
