Hockey has some of the most valuable sports cards in existence — and Canada's collector base is deeper than any other country. At CardPawn, hockey cards make up nearly 40% of all pawn applications. Here are the ten cards our appraisers see generate the largest loans.
1. 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky RC #18
The crown jewel of Canadian card collecting. No hockey card commands more prestige or borrowing power. Even lower grades carry substantial value.
| Grade | Estimated Value (CAD) | CardPawn Loan Est. |
|---|---|---|
| PSA 10 | $200,000–$400,000+ | $120,000–$280,000 |
| PSA 9 | $80,000–$120,000 | $48,000–$84,000 |
| PSA 8 | $30,000–$55,000 | $18,000–$38,500 |
| PSA 7 | $12,000–$22,000 | $6,600–$15,400 |
2. 2005-06 Upper Deck Young Guns Sidney Crosby RC #201
Crosby's Young Guns rookie is the most liquid modern hockey card in Canada. PSA 10 examples have sold for $15,000–$25,000 CAD, making it excellent collateral.
3. 2015-16 Upper Deck Young Guns Connor McDavid RC #201
McDavid is the face of the modern NHL. His Young Guns in PSA 10 now trade at $8,000–$14,000 CAD — strong pawn collateral for any Edmonton fan.
4. 1966-67 Topps Bobby Orr RC #35
Orr's rookie card is the most prized vintage hockey card after Gretzky. PSA 8s trade at $15,000–$30,000 CAD, and PSA 9s are extremely rare with values exceeding $100,000.
5. 1951-52 Parkhurst Gordie Howe RC #66
Mr. Hockey's rookie is among the most sought-after post-war hockey cards. In PSA 7, values run $8,000–$20,000 CAD depending on current demand.
6. 1985-86 O-Pee-Chee Mario Lemieux RC #9
Lemieux's rookie is the most iconic OPC card after Gretzky. PSA 9s trade at $3,000–$6,000 CAD; PSA 10s (scarce) approach $15,000+.
7. 2018-19 Upper Deck Auston Matthews Young Guns Auto Patch /25
Numbered autos from Matthews' rookie year represent modern premium collateral — strong demand from Toronto collectors drives consistent valuations.
8. 2020-21 Upper Deck Alexis Lafrenière Young Guns RC
Lafrenière's emergence as a top-line NHL player has revitalized his rookie market. PSA 10s now trade at $1,500–$3,500 CAD.
9. 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee Mark Messier RC #385
A supporting piece to the Gretzky era, Messier's rookie holds steady value — PSA 8s at $800–$1,500 CAD — making it viable for smaller loans.
10. 2005-06 Upper Deck Alex Ovechkin Young Guns RC #443
Ovechkin's Young Guns is the most liquid modern hockey card for non-Canadian collectors. PSA 10s trade at $5,000–$9,000 CAD — excellent pawn collateral.
Tip: Collections Are Stronger Than Singles
If you have multiple qualifying hockey cards, CardPawn can appraise them as a portfolio — often resulting in a higher combined LTV than individual submissions. Submit your full collection for the best offer.
Getting a Loan Against Your Hockey Cards
If you own any of the cards listed above — or other significant hockey cards — apply online at CardPawn for a free, no-obligation appraisal within 2 hours.