Blackhawks score championship hat trick
By Eric Norton | Beckett Hockey Analyst | Commentary
Three Stanley Cups in six seasons speaks volumes to the quality of the Chicago Blackhawks franchise. As the team celebrates its latest victory, let’s take a look at the key players that contributed to this season’s success and what the future may hold for each of them.
Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews
From a hobby standpoint, there is really little more that can be said of these two. Both of them have defined this era of Blackhawks hockey and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Their key Rookie Cards are hard to find on the secondary market without a premium asking price, but that should come at no surprise by this point in their respective careers.
Cards to Grab: (Patrick Kane)
2007-08 The Cup #185 JSY AU RC/99, $800
2007-08 Upper Deck #210 YG RC, $80
2007-08 Upper Deck Ice #221 RC/99, $350
Cards to Grab: (Jonathan Toews)
2007-08 The Cup #190 JSY AU RC/99, $1600
2007-08 Upper Deck #462 YG RC, $100
2007-08 Upper Deck Ice #212 RC/99, $600
Duncan Keith
In 2002, Keith was the beginning of the end of a list of bad draft picks made by the Blackhawks. His performances in this season’s playoffs were enough to earn the Conn Smythe Trophy to go along with his third Stanley Cup. Collectors noticed, judging by the demand for his cards on the secondary market.
Cards to Grab:
2005-06 The Cup #186 AU RC/249, $200
2005-06 SP Authentic #147 AU RC/999, $60
2005-06 Hot Prospects #195 AU RC/999, $30
Brandon Saad
Saad is a winger who has earned a bit of a cult following in Chicago and with collectors. This young star’s solid efforts in have made fans in the Windy City notice, and he should be around the franchise for years to come. Collectors have noticed, too, since his sales have seemed to pick up in the days since the Cup was clinched.
Cards to Grab:
2011-12 Dominion #185 JSY AU RC/99, $80
2011-12 The Cup #132 JSY AU RC/ 249, $120
2011-12 Panini Titanium #149 RC/43, $100
Others to Watch
Once the celebration ends today, the work of the offseason will begin for GM Stan Bowman. Salary cap issues must be addressed and players like Corey Crawford, Patrick Sharp and Bryan Bickell may be on the chopping block. All have had played roles in this current run. The effect their departure from the team could have in the collecting world could be significant, especially for Crawford and Sharp who are household names in the Windy City. Young players like Teuvo Teravainen, who had an impact both on the ice and on cardboard as well, will need to put in work during the off-season to improve their game. Be sure to subscribe to Beckett’s Hockey OPG to keep up with the latest pricing on these players, and the rest of the league, during the offseason.
