Signed NHL Memorabilia Buying Guide: Jerseys, Pucks, Sticks, and Helmets
The puck has dropped for another NHL season, and with it comes renewed interest in NHL memorabilia. Whether you're following this NHL memorabilia guide to find the best NHL collectibles or looking into buying signed NHL jerseys, it’s crucial to understand how sports memorabilia works. Authentic NHL autographs can significantly impact NHL memorabilia value, with some of the most valuable NHL autographs belonging to legends like Wayne Gretzky and current stars like Connor McDavid.
It’s important, too, to understand how to verify signed NHL memorabilia, especially if signed pieces are desirable for a specific collector. At that point, identifying where to buy signed NHL jerseys can be a less intimidating undertaking. For those looking for NHL pucks and autographs, NHL collectible jerseys, or even pondering which NHL player autographs are worth collecting, this guide aims to help.
What is the most valuable NHL memorabilia?
In many cases, game-used pieces are desirable to hardcore collectors, causing prices to climb. Signed pieces, whether it be jerseys, pucks, or sticks, will also fetch high prices depending on the player. At Pristine Auction, the items with the highest bids in the Puck Drop Auction are signed jerseys. As of Oct. 16, a signed Sidney Crosby jersey is currently the priciest item, with a signed Patrick Roy goalie mask and Auston Matthews inscribed jersey close behind. Simply put, if the memorabilia is signed, or game-used, price tags will be higher.
Where can I buy authentic signed NHL jerseys?
Most reputable auction houses will offer authenticated, signed NHL jerseys. Additionally, teams will occasionally offer opportunities to purchase signed memorabilia, including jerseys. For those in the market for signed jerseys, identifying sellers dealing in authenticated products is a crucial first step. Whether it’s through an auction house, a team, or a secondary-market sale, it’s important to track an item’s legitimacy.
Which NHL players’ autographs are worth investing in?
In recent years, the NHL has seen an influx of young talent. Very few debuts were as anticipated as Connor Bedard’s last season. With Macklin Celebrini’s arrival this year, both players are already desirable investments for collectors. Younger stars like Cale Makar or Adam Fox can also fetch some value, especially for collectors looking for memorabilia from their respective teams. Beyond that, talented prospects like Tim Stutzle, Adam Fantilli, and Leo Carlsson offer promising entry points for investment.
What are the best NHL jerseys to collect?
As it pertains to jerseys, they’re at the core of most memorabilia collections. For fans of the sport, jerseys of established players or all-time greats will likely be the most desirable. When it comes to the best NHL jerseys collect, the question is best answered by first identifying why the jersey is being purchased. Is it an investment? Current players with the best shot at all-time level careers, like Nathan MacKinnon, Auston Matthews, or Connor McDavid, are the first names to look into. Holding their jerseys until they retire could lead to the best shot at appreciation. For fans who feel a jersey would complete their man caves, it’s hard to go wrong with their favorite players.
How much does NHL memorabilia increase in value over time?
As is the case with memorabilia from other sports leagues, NHL memorabilia peaks when new seasons begin. Spikes might also take place when awards are issued and the Stanley Cup Playoffs conclude. Beyond the more typical inflection points, a player retiring might lead to heightened interest. This is where Sidney Crosby or Alex Ovechkin memorabilia values could climb in the next couple of years.
Current Star Players With Valuable NHL Memorabilia:
Connor McDavid - Edmonton Oilers: Often considered the face of modern hockey, McDavid’s signed jerseys, pucks, and rookie cards are among the most sought after NHL memorabilia. Making it to the Stanley Cup last season, he’s poised to lead Edmonton to their first Stanley Cup since the Wayne Gretzky years.
Sidney Crosby - Pittsburgh Penguins: A generational talent with multiple Stanley Cups. Sid the Kid’s memorabilia, especially signed items from his Stanley Cup wins, are highly valued. At 37, Crosby’s legendary career seems to be in its twilight. Depending on how he decides to call it career, memorabilia from each season could be memorabilia from his final season.
Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs: A leading star for the Toronto Maple Leafs, his items are popular among both Leafs fans and hockey memorabilia collectors. Now 27 years old, the two-time All-Star is looking to build on his career-high 69 goals and 107 points from 2023.
Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche: With a Stanley Cup under his belt, MacKinnon’s memorabilia is rapidly increasing in value, especially after the Avalanche’s success. Two years removed from his Cup run, MacKinnon won the 2023-24 Hart trophy, posting a career-high 51 goals and 89 assists. MacKinnon has solidified his place among the faces of his era.
Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals: Chasing Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record, Ovechkin’s memorabilia is highly collectible, particularly his goal milestone-related items. He’s one to include inscriptions in a lot of his signed memorabilia. The 39-year-old wing’s resume is as long as they come. In 20 NHL seasons, Ovechkin is a Stanley Cup champion, a three-time Hart winner, and was named to the NHL’s 100th Anniversary Team.
Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers: As McDavid’s running mate in Edmonton, Draisaitl’s autograph and collectibles are gaining popularity. Draisaitl’s role in the Oilers run to the Stanley Cup Final last season was underscored by his 21 assists and 10 goals. The former Hart winner is a formidable 1B to McDavid’s 1A.
Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche: His memorabilia, especially jerseys, are extremely popular on Pristine’s website. A rising star and Norris Trophy winner, his memorabilia is growing in demand, especially after his playoff performances. After a 90-point season last year, the window to invest in one of the NHL’s young stars for a reasonable entry price might be closing.
Igor Shesterkin, New York Rangers: The New York Rangers’ goaltender has become a fan favorite, and his signed items are rising in popularity as he continues to excel. In the Rangers first three games, Shesterkin is 2-0-1 and has allowed just seven goals. The 2021-22 Vezina winner seems to be picking up where he left off.
Legendary Players With Valuable NHL Memorabilia:
Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers & Los Angeles Kings & New York Rangers: Known as "The Great One," his memorabilia, especially signed jerseys and game-worn items, are some of the most valuable in the NHL world. Gretzky is likely hockey’s most recognizable name and is among the greatest athletes to ever play their respective sports. Owning a piece of Gretzky memorabilia is a priority for most NHL collectors.
Patrick Roy, Montreal Canadiens & Colorado Avalanche: One of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history, his signed gear, especially game-used equipment, is very collectible. With three Vezina trophies and four Stanley Cup wins over his career, Saint Patrick is synonymous with the position for hockey fans.
Gordie Howe, Detroit Red Wings: "Mr. Hockey" remains one of the most iconic figures in the NHL. Signed memorabilia and vintage collectibles of Howe carry historical significance. A member of Hockey’s Mount Rushmore, Howe won six Hart Trophies, won four Stanley Cups, and made 21 All-Star teams.
Bobby Orr, Boston Bruins: His famous dive goal is legendary, making his signed items particularly valuable. From 1969-1972, Orr won three-consecutive Hart Trophies, compiling 376 total points over that span. The Hall of Famer led Boston to two Stanley Cup wins in his 12 year career.
Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting, understanding NHL memorabilia value and ensuring you're buying authentic NHL autographs can lead to great long-term investments. Use this guide to find your next piece and make sure it’s one of the best NHL collectibles you’ll own.
