The Ultimate Guide to Cale Makar Hockey Cards
Summary & Career Highlights
Rookie Year: 2019-20
Iconic Rookie Card: 2019-20 Upper Deck #493 Young Guns
Highest Public Sale: 2019-20 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection NHL Sheild 1/1 BGS 7.5/9 for $22,800 on Goldin Auctions in April 2022
Similar Career Players: Quinn Hughes, Adam Fox, Devon Toews, Zach Werenski, Eddie Shore, Denis Potvin, Ray Bourque, Paul Coffey, Nicklas Lidstrom
Players with Similar Cards to Check Out: Quinn Hughes, Jack Hughes, Nick Suzuki, Kirby Dach, Adam Fox, Igor Shesterkin, Kaapo Kakko
Career Highlights
Stanley Cup Champion (2021-22)
Conn Smythe Winner (2021-22)
Norris Trophy Winner (2021-22)
Calder Tropy Winner (2019-20)
4x NHL All Star
Iconic Cards
Icon Key
Prospective Card Cost:
💰 - Under $250
💰💰- Under $1,000
💰💰💰- Under $5,000
💰💰💰💰- Under $15,000
💰💰💰💰💰- Over $15,000
Rarity:
💎 - Common & High Serial Number
💎💎- Serial Numbered or Pop Under 200
💎💎💎 - Serial Numbered or Pop Under 100
💎💎💎💎 - Serial Number or Pop Under 50
💎💎💎💎💎 - Does this card even exist? Serial Number or Pop under 10
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2019-20 Ice
#03T-CM Exquisite Collection 2003-04 Rookie Auto Patch Tribute /25
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎💎
About the Card: Makar’s Exquisite 2003-04 Rookie Auto Patch Tribute /25 from Upper Deck Ice fuses nostalgia with rarity in a standout rookie patch auto. A direct throwback to the iconic 2003-04 Exquisite design that redefined premium card aesthetics, it’s a thoughtful salute to one of the hobby’s most influential layouts. It’s also part of a group of Exquisite-branded inserts scattered across Upper Deck’s 2019-20 products—a calculated move that brought added chase and intrigue across the release calendar.
2019-20 Ice
#149 Ice Premieres Rookie /99
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰-💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎
About the Card: If you’re hunting for rookie cards that balance rarity and design ingenuity, the 2019 Ice Ice Premieres Rookie /99 deserves a long look. Printed on acetate that mirrors the chill of the rink, this card taps into a design language that feels uniquely suited to hockey. It’s part of a short list of just ten chase rookies from the set whose base cards were numbered to 99. The only parallel more exclusive is the black 1/1. For collectors who value scarcity and style, this one checks both boxes.
2019-20 O-Pee-Chee Platinum
#175 Seismic Gold /50
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎💎
About the Card: Since its debut, O-Pee-Chee Platinum Seismic Gold /50 has become a crown jewel among modern hockey parallels, and Cale Makar’s version lives up to the billing. The Seismic Gold isn’t the rarest in the rainbow, but it’s arguably the most sought-after. The parallel pairs a radiant gold finish with a small enough print run that collectors gravitate toward year after year. It’s part of a chromium set that also features a popular autograph version, with multiple parallels to chase. For those building out a premium Makar collection, this card strikes a near-perfect balance between visual impact and established brand appeal.
2019-20 SP Authentic
#149 Future Watch Auto /999
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰-💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎
About the Card: The 2019 SP Authentic Future Watch Auto /999 is a pillar of Cale Makar’s rookie lineup and widely considered one of the “Big Three” cards for modern hockey rookies alongside his Young Guns and The Cup RPA. The base version offers an ideal blend of accessibility and prestige, with on-card autographs and a print run numbered to 999. A limited number of Inscribed copies—featuring Makar’s NHL debut date and limited to the first 50 of the print run—add an extra layer of chase, while an elusive black version signed in gold ink offers high-end rarity for deeper-pocketed collectors.
2019-20 SP Authentic
#149 Limited Future Watch Patch Auto /100
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎
About the Card: The 2019 SP Authentic Limited Future Watch Patch Auto /100 is a parallel to Makar’s base Future Watch Autograph, but with a slightly different design and a patch window. The design carries over the clean, minimalist style that feels uniquely SP Authentic. While it doesn’t command the same spotlight or sales volume as his Cup RPA, this card has carved out a loyal following and remains a strong target for collectors. Numbered to just 100, it typically commands more than the Retro version /50 from the same set, despite its higher print run.
2019-20 SP Authentic
#493 Young Guns Acetate
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎💎💎
About the Card: Makar's 2019 SP Authentic Young Guns Acetate delivers a rare, non-autographed take on his flagship rookie card. Released as part of SP Authentic—not Series 2—it features a different image and a transparent acetate design, printed in very limited quantities despite being unnumbered. With its clean finish and iconic "Young Guns" branding, it stands out as a strong alternative for collectors seeking something distinct without the autograph.
2019-20 The Cup
#62 Rookie Patch Auto /99
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰💰-💰💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎💎
About the Card: The 2019 The Cup Rookie Patch Auto /99 is the flagship rookie card for Cale Makar and the centerpiece of his high-end market. As the base RPA from Upper Deck’s top-tier product, it combines an on-card autograph, premium patch, and a refined layout that continues to set the standard for modern hockey grails. Numbered to just 99, it traces the lineage of iconic RPAs from The Cup—joining the ranks of Crosby, McDavid, and other generational stars. A Gold Foil parallel /12 adds an ultra-rare layer, but for most collectors, the /99 remains the essential benchmark. It’s the card everything else gets measured against.
2019-20 The Cup
#EC-CM Exquisite Collection Rookie Patch Autograph NHL Shield 1/1
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎💎💎
About the Card: The 2019 The Cup Exquisite Collection Rookie Patch Autograph NHL Shield 1/1 stands as the undisputed crown jewel of Cale Makar’s rookie cards. Combining the hobby’s most coveted patch—the NHL Shield—with the prestige of Exquisite branding and The Cup’s ultra-premium pedigree, it represents the absolute peak in design, rarity, and collector appeal. This card isn’t just rare; it’s singular. The only contender that comes close is Makar’s Ultimate Collection Shield 1/1, but this Exquisite version remains the one to own. It also holds the record for the highest public sale of any Makar card to date, solidifying its place as the definitive grail in the modern hockey market.
2019-20 The Cup
#ER-CM Exquisite Collection Endorsement Relics /50
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰-💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎💎
About the Card: The 2019 The Cup Exquisite Collection Endorsement Relics /50 blends luxury design with collector appeal. Numbered to 50 and part of the popular "Endorsement Relics" insert patch autos, it features an on-card autograph and player-worn patch. With its gilded Exquisite branding and elevated feel, it’s a solid choice for collectors looking to add high-end variety beyond the core RPAs in The Cup lineup.
2019-20 The Cup
#LLCM Limited Logos /50
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎
About the Card: Makar's 2019 The Cup Limited Logos /50 stands out as one of the most enduring and recognizable inserts in Upper Deck’s high-end lineup. Known for its oversized patch window and bold layout, it delivers top-tier visual appeal and strong memorabilia presence. What truly sets it apart is the use of game-worn material—something few, if any, Makar RPAs from 2019 can claim. With just 50 copies produced, it’s both rare and respected, offering a premium alternative to his base Cup RPA with a bit more personality.
2019-20 UD Premier
#ARCM Acetate Rookie Patch Auto /99
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰-💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎
About the Card: The 2019 UD Premier Acetate Rookie Patch Auto /99 carves out its own lane among Makar’s RPAs with a distinctive vertical design and clear acetate overlay. While it doesn’t carry the same prestige as The Cup or Ultimate, it offers a strong mix of design and affordability that makes it a popular entry point for serious collectors. The card features a player-worn patch and is numbered to 99, but what really draws attention is the visual impact—Premier RPAs often showcase bold, well-centered patches thanks to generous window space.
2019-20 Ultimate Collection
#190 Autograph /99
Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎
About the Card: The 2019 Ultimate Collection Autograph /99 brings a clean, focused approach to Makar’s rookie year, centered around bold photography and an on-card signature. With just 99 copies and no patch to compete with the image, this card keeps things sharp and simple—perfect for collectors who value design and scarcity over flash. Though it tends to fly under the radar compared to his Cup or Exquisite autos, it remains a strong value play within Upper Deck’s high-end lineup. A black 1/1 parallel adds rarity for those chasing a top-tier version, but the base card more than holds its own for focused Makar collectors.
2019-20 Upper Deck
#493 Young Guns
Prospective Card Cost: 💰-💰💰
Rarity: 💎
About the Card: The 2019 Upper Deck Young Guns is the cornerstone of Cale Makar’s rookie card lineup and one of the most recognizable cards in modern hockey. Released as part of Upper Deck Series 2, it offers collectors a widely accessible entry point while still carrying strong demand thanks to the “Young Guns” branding. Though not rare, it holds significant weight in the hobby, making it a go-to for both casual fans and seasoned collectors. High-grade copies and limited parallels like High Gloss /10, Exclusives /100, Clear Cut, and ePack exclusives such as Silver Foil and Speckled Rainbow Foil add depth and variety to the chase.
2019-20 Upper Deck
#C94 Canvas Young Guns
Prospective Card Cost: 💰
Rarity: 💎
About the Card: The 2019 Upper Deck Canvas Young Guns gives collectors an alternate version of Makar’s flagship rookie with a fresh look and a tactile twist. Printed on durable, textured canvas stock, it delivers a different aesthetic and feel from the glossy base card. The photo swap—featuring a new pose and uniform—helps it stand on its own as more than just a parallel. While it sells at a lower price point, it’s still a staple for those building a complete Makar rookie run.
2019-20 Upper Deck Employee Exclusive
#UD-CM Precious Metal Gems Purple /250
Prospective Card Cost: 💰-💰💰
Rarity: 💎
About the Card: The 2019 Upper Deck Employee Exclusive Precious Metal Gems Purple /250 marks Cale Makar’s first entry into the PMG lineage. Part of a special six-card set given only to Upper Deck employees, this purple parallel was never publicly distributed, making it far tougher to locate than its /250 print run suggests. The six-card set also includes fellow top rookies like Quinn Hughes, Jack Hughes, and Nick Suzuki. For collectors who appreciate crossover appeal between traditional hockey collecting and the iconic PMG brand, card carries both historical and aesthetic weight.
A Few of My Favorites
With so many standout cards from Cale Makar’s early career, narrowing down a list of favorites isn’t easy—but these five rise above the rest for me. Whether it’s the balance of design and patchwork, the rarity of the print run, or the overall composition, each of these cards captures something essential about Makar’s presence in the hobby. Some are grail-level chase cards, others shine for their subtlety—but all five hit that sweet spot between visual impact, scarcity, and collector appeal.
2019-20 Clear Cut
#MA Canvas Signatures Red Ink /8
Why It's a Favorite: Most cards in 2019 Clear Cut were acetate reprints of the Upper Deck base set, but this Canvas Signatures insert breaks the mold in the best way. Instead of clear plastic, it features a textured matte finish, a bold red ink autograph, and a print run tied to Makar’s jersey number at just eight copies. The photo, taken during the 2020 Stadium Series at the Air Force Academy, gives it a distinctive visual identity, especially with the alternate uniforms featured. One of the rarest Makar rookie autos out there, and a quietly brilliant design choice in a product known more for sheen than storytelling.
2019-20 O-Pee-Chee Platinum
#R-84 Retro Blue Rainbow /149
Why It's a Favorite: This O-Pee-Chee Platinum Retro Blue Rainbow /149 is Makar’s best-looking non-auto card, hands down. The bold blue-on-blue color match brings out the Avalanche palette beautifully, while the chrome finish elevates the throwback design into something that feels more like vintage movie art than a hockey card. It’s an eye-catching fusion of nostalgia and modern polish—and it just looks incredible in hand.
2019-20 SP Game Used
#CM Draft Day Marks /35
Why It's a Favorite: While each individual patch may feel modest, the appeal here is all about the chase. With 35 copies of each letter in "MAKAR," these Draft Day Marks autos turn into a bold, display-worthy puzzle for collectors who love the hunt. Whether or not the print run doubles on shared letters, the concept and execution offer a fun twist on rookie-year manufactured patches especially for those building out a centerpiece display around their favorite player.
2019-20 The Cup
#CC-CM Color Coded Autograph /33
Why It's a Favorite: In a product defined by oversized patches and high-gloss finishes, this Color Coded insert from The Cup stands out for its simplicity. Serial numbered to /33, it features an on-card autograph in matching maroon ink against a deep maroon backdrop—creating a clean, cohesive look that’s rare for the brand. Originally introduced in 2016–17 and discontinued after this release, the insert’s short lifespan gives it a niche appeal. It’s a great option for collectors drawn to understated design within hockey’s highest-end product.
2019-20 The Cup
#ECCM Exquisite Rookie Patch Auto /8
Why It's a Favorite: This Exquisite Rookie Patch Auto from The Cup stands as one of Makar’s finest rookie cards—full stop. Jersey numbered to /8 and featuring a stunning, oversized patch window, it pairs high-end materials with a clean, modern design that lets every element shine. In a sea of premium rookie content, this one rises above—bold, balanced, and absolutely deserving of top-five status.
Honorable Mentions
Additional Resources
Cale Makar Hockey Reference
A go-to source for Makar’s complete NHL stats, milestones, and award history. Helpful for tracking the on-ice accomplishments that often drive card value.Card Ladder Player Index – Cale Makar
Explore historical pricing trends, recent sales, and collector sentiment for Makar’s cards tracked on the Ladder. A great tool for understanding market performance across sets and grades.PSA Set Registry – Cale Makar Rookie Set
Get a curated list of the key Makar rookie cards recognized by PSA’s Registry. It’s a useful framework for collectors building a focused, registry-worthy PC.Trading Card Database (TCDB) – Cale Makar
Searchable checklist of every Cale Makar card, including base, parallels, inserts, and oddballs. Ideal for set collectors or anyone looking to complete a player run.