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A Comprehensive Guide To All The 2024-25 Upper Deck Series 2 Hockey Young Guns

202425 upper deck hockey

In this comprehensive breakdown, we’re not just listing prospects. We’re dissecting the DNA of future NHL legends, analyzing their potential to transform from cardboard curiosities to holy grail collectibles.

Our methodology? Part science, part art. We’ve evaluated these prospects through a lens of draft position, performance metrics, organizational development potential, and that indefinable “it” factor.

It’s all here in our guide to 2024-25 Upper Deck Series 2 Hockey Young Guns.

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TIER 1 of 2024-25 Upper Deck Series 2 Hockey Young Guns

The no-brainers.

Macklin Celebrini (San Jose) Position: Center Height/Weight: 6’0″, 190 lbs Age: 17 (Born June 13, 2006)

Celebrini is the consensus #1 draft prospect for 2024. He is a generational talent who became the youngest player to win the Hobey Baker Memorial Award. At Boston University, he demonstrated exceptional two-way play and elite hockey intelligence.

His speed, skill, and hockey sense make him a potential franchise cornerstone for the San Jose Sharks.

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Card Investment Potential: Extremely High)

  • First overall pick
  • Youngest Hobey Baker Award winner
  • Immediate NHL impact expected
  • Plays for a rebuilding Sharks team with high visibility
  • Tip: Buy early and hold long-term. This could be a generational card similar to Connor McDavid’s rookie cards.

Matvei Michkov (Philadelphia) Position: Right Wing Height/Weight: 5’10”, 172 lbs Age: 19 (Born October 9, 2004)

Described as the “best prospect since Eric Lindros,” Michkov is a generational goal-scoring talent with extraordinary offensive skills.

Despite coming from Russia and having some contractual complexities, he’s considered a potential Calder Trophy front-runner. His creative playmaking and elite shooting make him a potentially transformative player for the Flyers.

  • 7th overall pick in 2023
  • Extraordinary offensive talent
  • Potential star in a significant market (Philadelphia)
  • Tip: Slightly riskier due to the initial KHL contract, but potentially substantial long-term value if he meets expectations

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Will Smith (San Jose) Position: Center Height/Weight: 6’0″, 183 lbs Age: 19 (Born July 1, 2005)

Selected 4th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, Smith led the NCAA in scoring with 71 points.

Named the Sharks’ 2023-24 Prospect of the Year [NHL.com], he’s potentially the most talented prospect the Sharks have ever drafted [Fear the Fin]. His exceptional playmaking and scoring ability project him as a future top-line center.

  • 4th overall draft pick
  • Led NCAA in scoring
  • Sharks’ top prospect
  • Tip: Excellent long-term investment, especially paired with Celebrini in the Sharks’ rebuild

Comparative Investment Strategy:

  1. Celebrini: Safest, most predictable value
  2. Michkov: Highest potential, slightly more risk
  3. Smith: Solid, steady investment

Additional Collector’s Tip:

  • Look for rookie autograph cards
  • Consider graded versions for long-term preservation
  • Watch for early-season performance to validate potential

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TIER 2 of 2024-25 Upper Deck Series 2 Hockey Young Guns

Logan Morrison (Seattle Kraken) Position: Center Height/Weight: 6’1″, 185 lbs Age: 19

Developmental Trajectory: Morrison represents the Kraken’s commitment to building through skilled, dynamic young talent. As an emerging center, he’s shown remarkable potential in junior and collegiate circuits, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of offensive hockey.

Offensive Toolkit: Possesses a well-rounded offensive game characterized by high-end vision and creative playmaking. His ability to read defensive structures and create scoring opportunities sets him apart from typical prospects. Morrison’s hockey IQ allows him to anticipate plays several moments before they develop.

Skating and Mobility: Strong skating mechanics with excellent edge work enable him to navigate tight spaces and create separation from defenders. His lateral movement and acceleration suggest he can translate his junior success to the NHL level.

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Organizational Fit: The Kraken’s progressive development approach provides an ideal environment for Morrison to refine his skills. As an expansion team building through youth, he represents a potential cornerstone of their future competitive roster.

Projection: Projects as a potential top-six center with power play potential. His ceiling includes becoming a consistent point-per-game player who can drive offensive momentum.

Jackson Blake (Carolina Hurricanes) Jackson Blake (Carolina) Position: Right Wing Height/Weight: 5’11”, 170 lbs Age: 19

Developmental Background: Blake emerges from the Hurricanes’ renowned development system, known for transforming raw talent into NHL-caliber players. His progression through junior and collegiate ranks has been marked by consistent offensive improvement.

Offensive Characteristics: A dynamic right wing with exceptional scoring instincts. Blake combines speed, creativity, and a deceptive release, making him challenging for goaltenders to read. His ability to create scoring chances through quick transitions is particularly noteworthy.

Skating Prowess: Elite-level skating defines Blake’s game. His acceleration and top-end speed allow him to exploit defensive gaps and create scoring opportunities. His agility enables him to change directions rapidly, a critical skill in modern NHL hockey.

Organizational Context: The Hurricanes’ data-driven development approach provides an ideal environment for Blake to maximize his potential. Their track record of developing overlooked prospects into impact players bodes well for his future.

Projection: He projects as a potential top-six winger with power play potential. His combination of speed and skill suggests he could become a consistent 20-25 goal scorer.

Rutger McGroarty (Pittsburgh Penguins) Rutger McGroarty (Pittsburgh) Position: Center/Left Wing Height/Weight: 6’1″, 190 lbs Age: 19

Leadership and Character: McGroarty stands out not just for his athletic skills but for his leadership qualities. His ability to elevate teammates and contribute in multiple forward positions makes him a versatile prospect with significant long-term potential.

Offensive Capabilities: Demonstrates a balanced offensive game with the ability to play center and wing. His hockey intelligence allows him to read defensive structures and create scoring opportunities. McGroarty combines grit with skill, a combination NHL teams value highly.

Physical Development: At 6’1″ and 190 lbs, he possesses an NHL-ready frame. His physical maturity allows him to compete effectively in board battles and maintain puck possession in high-traffic areas.

Organizational Legacy: The Penguins’ history of developing elite talent provides McGroarty with an exceptional developmental environment. Playing in an organization with recent championship experience offers valuable mentorship opportunities.

Projection: Projects as a potential second-line forward with the versatility to play multiple positions. His ceiling includes becoming a valuable two-way player who can contribute to various strategic situations.

Samuel Honzek (Calgary) Position: Center/Left Wing Height/Weight: 6’4″, 190 lbs Age: 19

Physical Prototype: Honzek represents the modern NHL power forward archetype, combining exceptional size with surprising skill and mobility. His physical attributes create unique offensive opportunities.

Key Attributes:

  • Exceptional size and reach
  • Surprising puck-handling skills
  • Strong international tournament performance
  • Positional flexibility

Developmental Potential: His ability to play center and wing, combined with his physical tools, suggests a high ceiling for impact at the NHL level.

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Calum Ritchie (Colorado) Position: Center Height/Weight: 6’2″, 185 lbs Age: 18

Hockey Intelligence Profile: Ritchie’s exceptional two-way capabilities and advanced hockey IQ stand out. His ability to read play development sets him apart from typical prospects.

Key Attributes:

  • Exceptional defensive awareness
  • Strong two-way playing style
  • Intelligent positioning
  • Balanced offensive toolkit

Organizational Environment: The Avalanche’s track record of developing young talent provides an ideal ecosystem for Ritchie’s continued growth and development.

Conor Geekie (Tampa Bay) Position: Center Height/Weight: 6’4″, 205 lbs Age: 19

Physical Dominance: Geekie represents the modern NHL center prototype, using his significant physical advantages to create offensive opportunities and control play.

Key Attributes:

  • Exceptional size and reach
  • Sophisticated puck handling
  • Strong board play
  • Surprising mobility for his size

Developmental Potential: The Lightning’s player development system offers an ideal environment for maximizing Geekie’s unique combination of size and skill.

Jett Luchanko (Philadelphia) Position: Center Height/Weight: 5’11”, 170 lbs Age: 18

Speed and Skill Archetype: Luchanko embodies the modern NHL’s emphasis on speed and creative offensive play, compensating his more petite frame with exceptional skating and hockey intelligence.

Key Attributes:

  • Elite-level skating
  • High-end offensive creativity
  • Quick decision-making
  • Ability to create scoring opportunities

Organizational Context: Part of Philadelphia’s rebuild, Luchanko represents the team’s shift towards a faster, more dynamic style of hockey.

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Tier 3 of 2024-25 Upper Deck Series 2 Hockey Young Guns

Seamus Casey (New Jersey Devils) Position: Defenseman Height/Weight: 5’10”, 170 lbs

Skilled defensive prospect with exceptional mobility and hockey IQ. Projects as a potential power-play quarterback with strong skating abilities.

Albert Johansson (Detroit Red Wings) Position: Defenseman Height/Weight: 6’1″, 185 lbs

Swedish defenseman with smooth skating and intelligent positioning. Demonstrates good two-way potential with above-average puck-moving skills.

Ethan Cardwell (San Jose Sharks) Position: Center Height/Weight: 6’0″, 180 lbs.

Versatile forward with decent offensive potential. Shows promise as a middle-six center with reasonable two-way capabilities.

Georgi Romanov (San Jose Sharks) Position: Defenseman Height/Weight: 6’2″, 190 lbs.

Physical defenseman with raw potential. Demonstrates strong defensive zone coverage and occasional offensive upside.

Jack Thompson (San Jose Sharks) Position: Defenseman Height/Weight: 6’1″, 185 lbs

An offensive-minded defenseman with good skating ability. Potential power play specialist with developing defensive skills.

Oliver Kapanen (Montreal Canadiens) Position: Center Height/Weight: 6’0″, 175 lbs

Finnish center with solid two-way potential. Shows good hockey sense and developing offensive capabilities.

Nikita Prishchepov (Colorado Avalanche) Position: Left Wing Height/Weight: 6’0″, 185 lbs

Russian winger with intriguing offensive potential. Demonstrates creative puck handling and scoring ability.

Declan Carlile (Tampa Bay Lightning) Position: Defenseman Height/Weight: 6’2″, 190 lbs.

Defensive prospect with solid positioning and physical play. Projects as a potential bottom-pairing defensive defenseman.

Devin Cooley (San Jose Sharks) Position: Goaltender Height/Weight: 6’3″, 200 lbs

Promising goaltending prospect with good size and developing technical skills. Potential future backup or potential starter.

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TIER 4 of 2024-25 Upper Deck Series 2 Hockey Young Guns

  1. Brandon Bussi (Boston Bruins) Position: Goaltender Height/Weight: 6’4″, 210 lbs
  2. Aleksei Kolosov (Philadelphia Flyers) Position: Goaltender Height/Weight: 6’2″, 190 lbs
  3. Drew Commesso (Chicago Blackhawks) Position: Goaltender Height/Weight: 6’2″, 195 lbs
  4. Brian Halonen (New Jersey Devils) Position: Right Wing Height/Weight: 6’0″, 185 lbs
  5. Cameron Butler (Columbus Blue Jackets) Position: Right Wing Height/Weight: 6’2″, 200 lbs
  6. Adam Klapka (Calgary Flames) Position: Center Height/Weight: 6’5″, 220 lbs
  7. Rutger McGroarty (Pittsburgh Penguins) Position: Center/Left Wing Height/Weight: 6’1″, 190 lbs
  8. Maxim Tsyplakov (New York Islanders) Position: Left Wing Height/Weight: 6’0″, 185 lbs
  9. Victor Mancini (New York Rangers) Position: Defense Height/Weight: 6’1″, 190 lbs

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TIER 5 of 2024-25 Upper Deck Series 2 Hockey Young Guns

  1. Phil Kemp (Edmonton Oilers) Position: Defense Height/Weight: 6’2″, 200 lbs
  2. Daniil Misyul (New Jersey Devils) Position: Defense Height/Weight: 6’3″, 205 lbs
  3. Zachary L’Heureux (Nashville Predators) Position: Left Wing Height/Weight: 5’11”, 180 lbs
  4. Oskar Back (Dallas Stars) Position: Center Height/Weight: 6’0″, 190 lbs
  5. Nikolai Kovalenko (Colorado Avalanche) Position: Right Wing Height/Weight: 5’11”, 175 lbs
  6. Ivan Ivan (Colorado Avalanche) Position: Center Height/Weight: 6’0″, 185 lbs
  7. Matt Steinberg (Colorado Avalanche) Position: Center Height/Weight: 6’1″, 190 lbs
  8. Maveric Lamoureux (Utah Hockey Club) Position: Defense Height/Weight: 6’7″, 220 lbs
  9. Andre Lee (Los Angeles Kings) Position: Center Height/Weight: 6’3″, 205 lbs
  10. Noah Philp (Edmonton Oilers) Position: Center Height/Weight: 6’0″, 185 lbs

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TIER 6 of the 2024-25 Upper Deck Series 2 Hockey Young Guns

  1. Patrik Koch (Utah Hockey Club) Position: Defense Height/Weight: 6’2″, 195 lbs
  2. Brandon Scanlin (New York Rangers) Position: Defense Height/Weight: 6’1″, 190 lbs
  3. Maksymilian Szuber (Utah Hockey Club) Position: Defense Height/Weight: 6’0″, 185 lbs
  4. Aku Raty (Utah Hockey Club) Position: Right Wing Height/Weight: 6’0″, 180 lbs
  5. Ethan Cardwell (San Jose Sharks) Position: Center Height/Weight: 6’0″, 180 lbs
  6. Nolan Allan (Chicago Blackhawks) Position: Defense Height/Weight: 6’2″, 195 lbs
  7. Isaac Poulter (New Jersey Devils) Position: Goaltender Height/Weight: 6’3″, 205 lbs
  8. Calum Ritchie (Colorado Avalanche) Position: Center Height/Weight: 6’2″, 185 lbs
  9. Conor Geekie (Tampa Bay Lightning) Position: Center Height/Weight: 6’4″, 205 lbs
  10. Nolan Allan (Chicago Blackhawks) Position: Defense Height/Weight: 6’2″, 195 lbs

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Final word on 2024-25 Upper Deck Series 2 Hockey Young Guns

Let’s get real. Not every prospect becomes a legend. Not every card becomes a golden ticket. But knowledge is your most valuable asset.

Investment Strategy Breakdown:

  1. Diversify, but be strategic
  2. Look beyond the stats – watch for organizational support
  3. Rookie autographs are your golden ticket
  4. Patience is more than a virtue – it’s a collecting superpower

The Hockey Card Collector’s Prime Directive: Potential is nice. Proven performance is better.

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Shaiel Ben-Ephraim

Shaiel Ben-Ephraim

Shaiel Ben-Ephraim is the emeritus editor of Cardlines. He continues to write for several hobby outlets, including this one and Cardbase. He collects primarily vintage baseball and soccer and has a weird obsession with 1971 Topps.

In his spare time, Shaiel is sobbing into his bourbon when the Mets lose and playing Dungeons and Dragons. In a past life, Dr. Ben-Ephraim was a political science professor, journalist, and diplomat. But cards are more fun.

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