TOP OF THE ROOKIE CLASS

Quinn Hughes

The Canucks defender is the epitome of new-style hockey on the ice, and the very soul of old-school hockey on cardboard. He delivers a classically legible sig that not only offers two distinct names and a number, but almost every letter as well. Granted, it did start to deteriorate as the season wore on, getting pretty rough by the time SP Authentic demanded 999 signatures out of him for his base RC alone, but his ability to deliver this kind of quality for much of the year endeared him to collectors.

Jack Hughes

The autograph of the Devils center doesn’t deliver the same punch as that of his older brother, but it is miles ahead of what we’ve seen from other recent No. 1 draft picks. With a first initial, full last name and jersey number, it is instantly identifiable and eminently collectible.

Mario Ferraro

San Jose’s promising blueliner lays down a solid, well-considered signature that goes hand-in-glove with his playing style. It’s full of confidence with a splash of style and takes full advantage when the signing space gives him a little extra room with which to work.

Jimmy Schuldt

Don’t feel bad if his name doesn’t ring a bell. The former Hobey Baker finalist has just one NHL game to his credit, and was the final cut for the Golden Knights before they headed to the bubble. But what he lacks in experience he makes up for with a solid sig that’s easy to decipher, especially when compared to most in his class.

Nico Sturm

Now this is a sig you can set your watch by. The German-born Wild center style dropped an autograph that’s crisp and bold and instantly unforgettable. No telling what lies ahead for the 25-year-old, but that’s some Hall of Fame-caliber ink.