The 15 Nathan MacKinnon Cards Every Collector Should Know
Summary & Career Highlights
Rookie Year: 2013
Iconic Rookie Card: 2013-14 Upper Deck Young Guns #238
Highest Public Sale: 2013-14 The Cup #187 Rookie Patch Auto 27/99 with Slab Sharks for $29,283 in April 2026
Similar Career Players: Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Artemi Panarin, Mikko Rantanen, David Pastrnak
Players with Similar Cards to Check Out: Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Auston Matthews, Mikko Rantanen, David Pastrnak, Jack Hughes, Nikita Kucherov, Cale Makar
Career Highlights
2022 Hart Trophy winner
2013 Calder Trophy winner
4x All-Star
2022 Stanley Cup Champion
2x Art Ross Trophy winner (2020, 2021)
First overall pick in 2013 NHL Draft
100+ point seasons in 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22
Youngest player in NHL history to score 200 career goals for Colorado Avalanche
Iconic Cards
The NHL lost more than half its games during the 2012-13 lockout-shortened season. The 2013-14 season needed to bring fans, and collectors, back to the game. Enter Nathan MacKinnon, the 2013 first overall pick, who alongside fellow rookies Nikita Kucherov and Vladimir Tarasenko gave fans a reason to tune back in.
Collecting a player from the 2013 draft class means tapping into one of the richest offerings in modern hockey. MacKinnon's rookie year landed at peak product diversity. Upper Deck's flagship brands — Young Guns, SP Authentic, The Cup, Ultimate Collection — anchor the release year as familiar staples, while Panini's brief but memorable hockey run offered National Treasures and Prizm as a different entry point for newer collectors who find Upper Deck's lineup intimidating. The range runs from accessible Young Guns (complete with the infamous pink print defect) to ultra-premium Cup RPAs and jersey-numbered hits like his incredibly rare SP Game Used rookie /29. Add in the revival of nostalgic '90s inserts, sets, and parallels like Precious Metal Gems, and you've got a checklist most rookie classes could only wish for.
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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2013-14 Fleer Showcase
#MU-30 Precious Metal Gems Red /75
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Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎
About the Card: Hockey collectors never had the chance to chase a Precious Metal Gem ("PMG") when they first dropped in the 90s—Skybox only made basketball, baseball, and football cards. That changed in 2012-13 when Upper Deck acquired the Skybox IP and brought PMGs to hockey for the first time. 2013-14 marked the second year of their return, now under the Fleer Showcase brand. The insert came in three parallels: Red /75, Blue /25, and Green /10. The starburst background and nameplate echo that iconic 90s design, making this an appealing rookie year card for collectors with a nostalgic streak.
2013-14 Panini National Treasures
#191 Rookie Patch Autograph /99
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Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎
About the Card: Panini didn't make licensed hockey cards for long (2010-2013), but they made a splash in 2013-14 when they brought National Treasures to hockey collectors. The NT RPA offered an alternative to Upper Deck's grip on high-end hockey through The Cup and Ultimate Collection. This MacKinnon RPA features a large patch window with an on-card auto printed on acetate card stock. Like the football and basketball NT RPAs, MacKinnon's was serial numbered to 99 copies and showcased the clean white space design NT is known for. For collectors seeking premium MacKinnon rookie patch autos outside The Cup's ecosystem, National Treasures delivered quality at a more accessible price point.
2013-14 Panini Rookie Anthology
#332 Prizm Update: Prizms
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Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎
About the Card: Unlike other sports, the NHL Player's Association requires that a player appear in at least one regular season or playoff game to be eligible for an officially licensed rookie card. When Panini released 2013 Prizm hockey in September 2013, the season hadn't started yet, so none of the 2013 draft picks made it into the set. However, the year's top draft picks, including number one overall pick Nathan MacKinnon, were included in the "Prizm Update" insert set packed in 2013-14 Panini Rookie Anthology. Besides his O-Pee-Chee Platinum, this is your only other shot at a chromium MacKinnon rookie.
2013-14 SP Authentic
#312 Future Watch Autograph /999
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Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎
About the Card: The 2013-14 SP Authentic Future Watch Auto /999 is a pillar of Nathan MacKinnon's rookie lineup and widely considered one of the “Big Three” cards for modern hockey rookies alongside his Young Guns and The Cup RPA. Despite a print run of 999 copies, this card's demand outpaces many of MacKinnon's rarer rookie autographs showing the weight that the "Future Watch" brand carries with hockey collectors.
2013-14 SP Authentic
#312 Future Watch Auto Patch /100
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Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎
About the Card: While technically a parallel to MacKinnon's Future Watch Auto /999, the Limited Future Watch Patch Auto /100 is important enough to warrant its own iconic entry. The parallel presents a new design to accommodate a modest patch window that stays true to the 2013-14 SP Authentic design and feel. 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.
2013-14 SP Game Used
#152 Nathan MacKinnon /29
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Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰💰
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About the Card: MacKinnon's 2013-14 SP Game Used rookie is serial numbered to his jersey number /29 which not only makes it rare, but it makes it his rarest non-parallel rookie card. While there's 29 copies, it has an even higher scarcity with only a handful ever selling publicly in the decade since it's initial release.
2013-14 SP Game Used
#DDM-NM Draft Day Marks Autograph /35
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Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎💎
About the Card: SP Game Used is known for its game-used patch autographs—makes sense given the product name. But one of the set's most popular chases is actually the Draft Day Marks insert, which uses manufactured patches instead. Each player signs 35 manufactured patches for every letter in their name. While individual letters can feel a bit underwhelming on their own, completing the full name becomes a compelling chase for many collectors. Those who pull it off end up with something that works great as a nameplate display piece in their PC.
2013-14 The Cup
#HN-NM Honorable Numbers /29
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Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰
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About the Card: There are a few jersey numbered cards that made the iconic list, but the 2013-14 Honorable Numbers insert patch auto set from The Cup stands above the rest. Dating back to the 2005-06 debut of The Cup, and even before that to the release of Exquisite basketball, the Honorable Numbers brand carries as much legacy as The Cup itself. Beyond being hand-numbered to MacKinnon's jersey number, 29, the card's patch window is prominently shaped as the outline of a 29.
2013-14 Upper Deck Black Diamond
#123 Ice Premieres /99
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Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎
About the Card: If you're hunting for rookie cards that balance rarity and design ingenuity, the Ice Premieres Rookie /99 from 2013-14 Upper Deck Black Diamond 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 one of just eight chase rookies from the set whose base cards were numbered to 99.
2013-14 Upper Deck The Cup
#187 Rookie Patch Autograph /99
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Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎
About the Card: MacKinnon has a few rookie patch autographs, but the crown jewel is from 2013-14 The Cup. Since its introduction in 2005-06, The Cup has been the home of the RPA. The card's appeal comes from its on-card auto, elevated design, and prominent patch windows, but also from the brand equity built through years of high-quality releases. Most rookies in The Cup have their RPAs serial numbered to 249 copies, but a few of the top prospects are short printed to 99 copies. Since MacKinnon was the first overall pick in 2013, he was part of the short printed group. In addition to his base RPA /99, MacKinnon also has a Gold parallel hand numbered to 29, his jersey number. The Cup RPA /99 is MacKinnon's flagship high-end rookie card.
2013-14 Upper Deck The Cup
#LL-NM Limited Logos /50
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Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰💰
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About the Card: Next to his base RPA from The Cup, MacKinnon's Limited Logos is one of his most sought-after rookie patch autos. Technically an insert patch autograph from his rookie year rather than a true "RPA", Limited Logos draws on a brand history dating back to 2003-04 Exquisite basketball and features a large patch window framed with gold foil. Serial numbered to 50 copies, the 2013-14 Limited Logos has an "Event-used" patch and an on-card autograph. It's a solid option for collectors who want a MacKinnon card from The Cup but don't like or can't afford his base RPA /99.
2013-14 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection
#171 Ultimate Rookies Auto /99
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Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰💰
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About the Card: Next to the Future Watch autograph, the Ultimate Rookie autograph from Ultimate Collection is probably the most well-known on-card rookie auto in a player's catalog. Serial numbered to 99 copies, it offers more rarity than the Future Watch while maintaining that iconic status collectors prize. If you're drawn to the Ultimate Collection aesthetic, there are two patch parallels worth knowing about: the Rookie Patch Auto /25 and the Rookie NHL Shield Auto 1/1.
2013-14 Upper Deck
#238 Young Guns
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Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰
Rarity: 💎
About the Card: Nathan MacKinnon, number one overall pick in the 2013 NHL draft, had one of the most important Young Guns in 2013-14 Upper Deck Series 1. So it was a surprise to collectors when they pulled his card only to discover the pack pulled copies all had a print defect. Each pack inserted copy had a pink highlight spanning from his left arm to the right side of the logo crest. After cards began hitting the market, collectors complained, and BGS even dinged the grades for print defects, Upper Deck began offering replacements without the print defect. Today you'll see "Pink" and "No Pink" versions that refer to those early pack pulled copies and the replacement copies. Grading companies no longer penalize for the print defect and the market seems to value each similarly. Which copy would you lean towards?
2013-14 Upper Deck
#C114 Young Guns Canvas
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Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰
Rarity: 💎
About the Card: In addition to his standard Young Guns in the base checklist of 2013-14 Upper Deck, MacKinnon also has a "UD Canvas" Young Guns. The rookie insert features a different image and design that pictures the future superstar staring down an opposing center gliding up to take a faceoff. The insert is printed on canvas card stock that's typically more durable than the base counterpart, and the bronze coloring adds a grungy feel to the card. While not as popular as his base Young Guns, MacKinnon's UD Canvas Young Guns offers collectors priced out of his base Young Guns another option for a rookie year MacKinnon.
2014-15 O-Pee-Chee Platinum
#20 Seismic Gold /50
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Prospective Card Cost: 💰💰
Rarity: 💎💎💎
About the Card: The only non-rookie card to crack the iconic list, O-Pee-Chee Platinum was MacKinnon's first chromium card from Upper Deck. The brand has grown in popularity as collectors have gravitated toward chromium products. The OPC Platinum checklist mirrors the paper OPC checklist but offers unique parallels to chase, including this Seismic Gold parallel /50 that nicely balances aesthetics and rarity from MacKinnon's sophomore season. The Black Ice parallel /25 is another solid option if rarity drives your collecting.
A Few of My Favorites
The favorites lean heavily into aesthetic appeal and personal collecting philosophy over market value. Multiple Fleer Showcase selections celebrate the successful revival of beloved 90s parallels like Star Rubies and Ultra Platinum Medallions, chosen for their authentic throwback feel and stunning foil work. The acetate Young Guns and Monumental Patch booklet represent collecting challenges with exceptional rarity and storage headaches respectively, while the 2023-24 Outburst Gold honors Upper Deck flagship's evolution into true premium territory.
2013-14 Fleer Showcase
#63 Ultra Platinum Medallion /25
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Why It's a Favorite: MacKinnon's base card in 2013-14 Fleer Showcase is a less than flattering rookie patch auto numbered to 175. I'd look at the inserts instead. The set paid tribute to iconic inserts and parallels of the 90s, including his Star Rubies, Precious Metal Gems, and White Hot parallels. But his Ultra, and specifically his Ultra Platinum Medallion /25, is my favorite. Printed on gorgeous speckled rainbow card stock with plenty of silver holofoil accents, this card captures the feel of the 90s Platinum cards it was meant to honor.
2013-14 Fleer Showcase
#42 Skybox Premium Star Rubies /50
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Why It's a Favorite: MacKinnon's Star Rubies from 2013-14 Fleer Showcase is the last card from the set I wanted to highlight. As you can probably tell from the number of inclusions from the set, I'm a sucker for the revival of these hugely important inserts and parallels as a 90's card collector. MacKinnon's Star Rubies features the quintessential ruby red foil Star Rubies was known for back in the 90's and was printed on mesmerizing card stock.
2013-14 Upper Deck
#238 Acetate Young Guns
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Why It's a Favorite: This card has a lot going for it, which makes me wonder why I didn't include it in the iconic section from the start. The Young Guns acetate cards have been a popular chase since their 2013 debut, with MacKinnon and Nikita Kucherov being the most sought-after players from that inaugural set. The population is tiny with only around 20 copies graded by PSA and BGS at the time of this writing. If you're drawn to the acetate design, appreciate the parallel concept, and don't mind hunting for something genuinely rare, this is a compelling MacKinnon rookie option.
2015-16 The Cup
#AMP-NM Monumental Patch Autograph /3
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Why It's a Favorite: Booklets are a pain. They're big, bulky, and hard to store. Grading them, especially with Beckett, results in a slab the size of a magazine. How is this going to fit into my case? Despite these drawbacks, the Monumental Patch Autographs from The Cup are stunning. The bi-fold booklet typically features a patch from a prominent jersey location. This example includes the yeti foot shoulder logo of the Avalanche jersey – an instantly recognizable patch. I'll gladly bend my "No booklets" rule and welcome it to my collection.
2023-24 Upper Deck
#668 Outburst Gold /1
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Why It's a Favorite: Upper Deck's flagship set has always been known for its Young Guns and its approachability. You don't need a Master's degree in sports cards to understand the product configuration or parallel structure. Collectors looking for rare parallels would chase the UD Exclusives /100 or High Gloss /10. The set has always felt refreshing compared to the dozens of parallels Topps and Panini release from their flagship sets, but collectors wanted a little more. So in the 2023-24 release, Upper Deck introduced the Outburst parallel. A non-numbered Silver Parallel, a Red Outburst /25, and a Gold Outburst 1/1. I love the look of the Outbursts and wanted to pay tribute to the flagship's first true 1/1 parallel.
Additional Resources
Nathan MacKinnon Hockey Reference
A go-to source for MacKinnon's complete NHL stats, milestones, and award history. Helpful for tracking the on-ice accomplishments that often drive card value.Card Ladder Player Index – Nathan MacKinnon
Explore historical pricing trends, recent sales, and collector sentiment for MacKinnon tracked on the Ladder. A great tool for understanding market performance across sets and grades.Trading Card Database (TCDB) – Nathan MacKinnon
Searchable checklist of every Nathan MacKinnon card, including base, parallels, inserts, and oddballs. Ideal for set collectors or anyone looking to complete a player run.
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