NHLPA Rookie Showcase 2023 and Rookie Faceoff: A Glimpse Into Hockey’s Future
The NHLPA Rookie Showcase 2023, a highly anticipated event for hockey enthusiasts, unveiled a talented pool of 35 NHL prospects and rookies. Taking place at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex on September 5, this event marked the third time the Washington Capitals played host, and it was the 13th Annual NHLPA Rookie Showcase jointly organized by NHLPA and Upper Deck.
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Unveiling the Stars of Tomorrow
At this showcase, players donned their full team gear and posed for upper-deck photographers, creating captivating visuals for fans and collectors. In addition to the glamour shots, players engaged with their audience on social media, providing an authentic behind-the-scenes look at the event. The day culminated in an exciting scrimmage that left fans eager for the upcoming season.
A Diverse Lineup of Talent
The NHLPA Rookie Showcase featured an exciting mix of talent, with 25 offensive players, 7 defensive players, and 3 goalies. These young athletes represent the best of the last two draft seasons, and many are poised to contend for the Calder Trophy in the upcoming season.
Upper Deck’s Treasure Trove
Upper Deck, known for its collectible trading cards, seized the opportunity to gather autographs from these rising stars. The presence of generational hockey talent, Connor Bedard, added to the excitement, as his cards are expected to be highly sought after by collectors.
Standout Players
Connor Bedard: A Rising Star
Connor Bedard, selected as the number-one draft pick by the Blackhawks, made waves at just 17 years old. With an impressive record of 134 goals scored in 134 games and 137 assists for 271 points during his time with the WHL’s Regina Pats, Bedard is a force to be reckoned with.
Adam Fantili: College Sensation
Adam Fantili, a former college hockey standout at the University of Michigan, boasts 30 goals, 35 assists, and 65 total points in just 36 regular season games. He was drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets, and his potential has fans eagerly awaiting his NHL debut.
Emerging Offensive Powerhouses
Matthew Knies, Tyson Foerster, and Logan Cooley are among the other promising rookie forwards to watch this season. Knies, a product of the University of Minnesota, brings speed and agility to the game, making him a formidable opponent. Tyson Foerster, with AHL experience, dazzles with rapid direction changes and offensive prowess. Logan Cooley, formerly with the USNTDP juniors, possesses remarkable agility, stick-handling skills, and on-ice awareness.
Goaltending Talents
Dustin Wolf (Calgary Flames) and Sebastian Cossa (Detroit Red Wings) are two goaltenders who have garnered attention for their exceptional skills. Wolf boasts an impressive save percentage of 93.5% and a 1.69 GAA during his time with the Wranglers. His precise glove work and blocking abilities set him apart.
Sebastian Cossa, who played in the AHL last season for the Grand Rapids Griffins, is known for his unwavering consistency, regardless of the number of shots he faces. His efficiency in the crease marks him as a goaltender to watch.
NHL Rookie Faceoff 2023: The Upcoming Battle
The NHL Rookie Faceoff 2023, scheduled for September 15-18, promises intense competition as six teams vie for supremacy. The Vegas Golden Knights will host the event, having secured the Stanley Cup championship in the 2022-23 season.
The event, presented by Martin-Harris Construction, will showcase prospects from the Vegas Golden Knights, Anaheim Ducks, Arizona Coyotes, Colorado Avalanche, Los Angeles Kings, and San Jose Sharks. The action kicks off with rookie practice on September 14, setting the stage for four days of thrilling matches at the City National Arena and the Dollar Loan Center.
A Packed Schedule
A total of nine games will be played during the event, with three games scheduled for Friday, September 15th, two on Saturday, September 16th, one on Sunday, September 17th, and three on Monday, September 18th. While two games will take place at the Dollar Loan Center, the remaining seven will unfold at the City National Arena.
Game Schedule
Friday, Sept. 15
- Game 1: San Jose Sharks vs. Los Angeles Kings, 1 P.M. PT, City National Arena
- Game 2: Arizona Coyotes vs. Colorado Avalanche, 3:30 P.M. PT, City National Arena
- Game 3: Anaheim Ducks vs. Vegas Golden Knights, 7 P.M. PT, The Dollar Loan Center
Saturday, Sept. 16
- Game 1: Los Angeles Kings vs. Arizona Coyotes, 3:30 P.M. PT, City National Arena
- Game 2: Vegas Golden Knights vs. San Jose Sharks, 7 P.M. PT, The Dollar Loan Center
Sunday, Sept. 17
- Game 1: Colorado Avalanche vs. Anaheim Ducks, 1 P.M. PT, City National Arena
Monday, Sept. 18
- Game 1: Arizona Coyotes vs. San Jose Sharks, 10 A.M. PT, City National Arena
- Game 2: Anaheim Ducks vs. Los Angeles Kings, 12:30 P.M. PT, City National Arena
- Game 3: Colorado Avalanche vs. Vegas Golden Knights, 3 P.M. PT, City National Arena
Montreal Canadiens Showcase: A Side Note
In Buffalo, New York, the Montreal Canadiens participate in the Prospects Challenge hosted by the Buffalo Sabres. The tournament, introduced eight years ago, initially featured the Boston Bruins and the New Jersey Devils alongside the Sabres.
This year, the Canadiens join the Boston Bruins, NJ Devils, Senators, and Pittsburgh Penguins in this exciting tournament. Over four days from September 15-18, all five teams will face off in three games each.
Montreal’s Main Rookie Camp kicks off on September 13, featuring medical and physical testing. Here’s the schedule for the Canadiens’ games:
| Date | Time (ET) | Time (ET) | Opponent |
| Fri. Sept. 15, 2023 | 7:00 PM | Buffalo Sabres |
| Sat. Sept. 16, 2023 | 3:30 PM | Boston Bruins |
| Mon. Sept. 18, 2023 | 1:30 PM | Ottawa Senators |
The Connor Bedard Collectibles Phenomenon
Upper Deck’s association with Connor Bedard has collectors buzzing with anticipation. Bedard’s trading cards, exclusively produced by Upper Deck, are highly coveted. As one of the most promising ice hockey prospects, Bedard’s journey to stardom includes breaking records at the U20 World Junior Hockey Championships.
Valuable Rookie Cards
The projected value of Bedard’s first-ever player card in the WHL is estimated to be between $500 and $1000, with an expected release date in early 2024. Bedard’s own enthusiasm for trading cards was evident at the Upper Deck Rookie Showcase event in September 2023.
Collector’s Treasures
Some of Connor Bedard’s trading cards, available for collectors on the collectibles site COMC, include:
| Cards | Price |
| 2020-21 Regina Pats Team Issue | $2,671.10 |
| 021 Upper Deck Team Canada Juniors (Patch Autographs) | $1,953.90 |
| 2021 Upper Deck Team Canada Juniors | $2,780.00 |
| 2021-22 Upper Deck CHL | $1,351.10 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the NHLPA Rookie Showcase 2023 and the NHL Rookie Faceoff 2023 offer fans a thrilling glimpse into the future of professional hockey. With a diverse array of talent and the excitement surrounding emerging stars like Connor Bedard, the upcoming season promises to be one for the books. Collectors and fans alike eagerly await the release of Bedard’s trading cards, adding another layer of excitement to the hockey world.
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