20 UNDER $20 FROM 2020

With the economy in a state of turmoil, plenty of us are looking for value buys in order to stay active in the hobby. Value, of course, is an entirely subjective term. It could mean an overlooked RC, an eye-catching design, or an underappreciated hit featuring an autograph or relic from a top player. We scoured the broad range of 2019-20 releases for 20 cards you can be proud to own without breaking the bank.* 2019-20 BLACK DIAMOND BLACK ON SILVER SIGNATURES #SB-AB ALEKSANDER BARKOV $8-$20

The Black on Silver Signatures series offers one of the most visually striking designs of the season, which explains why it’s been so popular with set builders. Barkov may not have a massive collector base himself, but with a print run limited to just 25 copies this single is not only one of the toughest in the set, but it’s also the most affordable...for now.

2019-20 UPPER DECK #491 JOEL FARABEE YOUNG GUNS RC $6-$15

The 2018 first rounder (14th overall) made a smooth transition into Philly’s lineup after one dominant season with Boston University. Though his eight-goal, 21-point totals didn’t drive collectors to their LCS, they hinted at his potential to mature into a solid, top-six forward – a forecast that was supported by a strong performance in the bubble. As the Flyers move into contention over the next few seasons, Farabee could become a major driver of their success.

2019-20 SPX #98 DOMINIK KUBALIK RC $6-$15

Cards of the Calder Trophy finalist have been solid movers since the calendar flipped to 2020, but this early single seems to have slipped under the radar. Issued without a signature or jersey swatch, this is a no-bells-andwhistles true RC, with a print run limited to just 199 copies. Once collectors have time to look back at their 2019-20 options, this one is likely to stand out as a real value sleeper.

2019-20 SPX #59 KIRBY DACH RC $8-$20

There may not have been a bigger surprise to emerge from the NHL’s postseason bubble than the play of Dach. After putting together a solid but unspectacular regular season, the big center returned to action as a changed man. He looked every bit a third-overall pick, using his size and creativity to consistently create offensive chances for the upstart Hawks. That effort definitely caught the hobby’s attention, although this card remains largely under the radar. Limited to just 199 copies, it’s going to be recognized as one of his most elusive singles when he inevitably takes over the No. 1 center slot in Chicago.

2019-20 UPPER DECK ICE #130 CAYDEN PRIMEAU RC $6-$15

From Plante to Dryden to Roy to Price, the lineage of goaltending in Montreal reads like a registry of hobby royalty. It’s the one position that sets a player up for iconic status in a way no other can match. So as Price’s career winds down, and the franchise inevitably turns to Primeau, his cards are primed to become a favorite of collectors. This single not only boasts a crisp design on a popular substrate, but it’s also one of his biggest bargains at the moment.

2019-20 SP AUTHENTIC #221 ALEXANDER VOLKOV RC $6-$15

Playing in nine regular-season games without scoring a goal might have consigned Volkov’s RCs to the commons bins this offseason...until coach Jon Cooper inserted the 23-year-old forward into the Lightning lineup for the Cup-clinching Game 6 win over the Stars. That display of faith put the spotlight on a player many consider the top offensive prospect in Tampa’s system, and one who could play a big part next season for a team looking for young and cheap help up front. This card features an on-card autograph that would make Gordie Howe weep with pride.

2019-20 ULTIMATE COLLECTION #139 OLIVER WAHLSTROM RC $6-$15

The hobby loves goal scorers, and few prospects can match the twine-tickling potential of this Islanders first rounder. Wahlstrom put up 77 goals in 95 games in 2017-18, leading New York to snag him with the 11th pick in 2018. He had an up-and-down rookie pro season, but his loan-out to play in Sweden this fall suggests the Isles want him primed and ready to contribute when the NHL season eventually starts. This single, autographed and numbered out of 299, has plenty of room for growth once the 20-year-old sniper hits his stride.

2019-20 SP AUTHENTIC #246 KLIM KOSTIN RC $6-$15

A Blues team looking for an offensive boost may lean heavily on Kostin next season. The 21-year-old is one of the most intriguing prospects in St. Louis’s system, a 6-foot-3 center who skates well and boasts eye-popping skill. Consistency is the only thing keeping him from ascending to a top-six role. Once the 2017 first rounder develops that element, his cards will take off. This autographed single from one of the hobby’s most popular RC subsets is a bargain at current prices.

2019-20 UPPER DECK TRILOGY #82 KAAPO KAKKO RC $6-$15

Kakko was one of the season’s highest-profile rookies after being selected second overall by the Rangers in 2019, but an exclusive autograph deal with Panini dampened his immediate hobby impact. That slump won’t last. The flashy forward not only benefits from playing in the league’s biggest market, but he’s surrounded by young talent on a Rangers team that’s well set up for long-term contention. He’ll get plenty of attention this season playing alongside Alexis Lafreniere, a team-up that should do wonders for an RC that’s relatively scarce and eminently affordable.

2019-20 UD BLACK LUSTROUS ROOKIES #LREB ERIK BRANNSTROM $8-$20

Brannstrom was Ottawa’s big get in the trade that sent Mark Stone to Vegas, and brings an offense-first style of play that has been compared to that of former Sen Erik Karlsson. His rookie season was cut short by an injury that dulled demand for his singles, but that slump won’t last forever. This single looks like one of his best, serial numbered out of 199 with an on-card auto and a patch swatch cut from a logo that naturally produces scores of dazzling, multi-color pieces.

2019-20 BLACK DIAMOND ROOKIE TEAM LOGO JUMBO PATCHES #RTLCG CODY GLASS $5-$12

Why is everybody sleeping on these? Although the memorabilia isn’t game used, the swatches are massive and cut with a clear intent to create some of the most visually stunning relic cards of the season. Glass, the sixth pick in the 2017 draft, was limited to just 39 games during his rookie season by a knee injury. With Paul Stastny traded to Winnipeg, he’ll be first up to take on second-line duties for a team that will be in the national spotlight and is poised for a deep playoff run 2021.

2019-20 UPPER DECK #473 JACK STUDNICKA YOUNG GUNS RC $6-$15

The aging Bruins don’t have much in the system, so with Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci nearing the end of their careers, all eyes are on Studnicka as the team’s next-gen star at center. The 21-year-old made a strong impression in the playoffs after leading AHL Providence in scoring in 2019-20, and has the hockey sense and work ethic to be a top-six forward. Whether he’ll mature into Bergeron’s replacement on the top line will determine this card’s long-term potential.

2019-20 ULTIMATE COLLECTION #140 CARTER VERHAEGHE RC $6-$15

Alright, his autograph shows all the enthusiasm of a kid sent out to the backyard to clean up the dog’s mess, but Verhaeghe is a fascinating prospect. He’s been an elite scorer wherever he’s played, including leading the AHL in 2018-19, and has a chance to step into a top-six role with his off-season move to Florida. This single is serial numbered to 299 and boasts a sharp design, two elements sure to make it one of his most desirable singles should he break big.

2019-20

UPPER DECK GAME-DATED MOMENTS #108 ANTON KHUDOBIN NOT PRICED

Khudobin led the league in save percentage in 2019-20 and carried the Dallas Stars to within two wins of hoisting the Stanley Cup, but he had to wait until making 35 saves in an 4-1 win over the Lightning in Game 1 to earn his first trading card of the season. Maybe not totally surprising given how little love secondary goalies earn from card manufacturers – even if they’re considered a 1B by the team and their fans – but as a memento of Dallas’s first trip to the Final since 2000, it can’t be beat.

2019-20 UPPER DECK ICE SUB ZERO AUTOGRAPHS BLUE #SZ16 NOAH DOBSON $6-$15

Dobson, the 12th selection in the 2018 draft, kept a relatively low profile during his rookie season, scoring seven points in limited use over 34 games. That pittance of production minimized his hobby impact, but as an offensive-minded defender on an up-and-coming team, it’s only a matter of time before he grabs the spotlight. When he does, this could be one of his most appealing freshman year finds. The Sub Zero autos boast a flashy, reflective substrate that’s too rarely seen in hockey, along with an on-card sig to boost its appeal.

2019-20 UPPER DECK TRILOGY BLUE #18 PIERRE-LUC DUBOIS $8-$20

Is this the most underrappreciated insert set of the year? The Trilogy Blue set seems to have it all: decent size multicolor patch swatches, print runs limited to 25 copies (like this one) or fewer, and an autograph. Hey, even though it’s a sticker, Dubois’s race-car sig makes this a visually stunning and hard-to-find single of one of the breakthrough stars of the 2020 playoffs.

2019-20 UPPER DECK CREDENTIALS TICKET ACCESS ACETATE #TACM CONNOR MCDAVID $8-$20

Looking for an appealing single of the hobby’s most popular superstar without breaking the bank? This might be the ticket. Limited to just 199 copies – nowhere near enough to satisfy the hordes of McDavid collectors – this acetate beauty isn’t often offered for sale, but when it is it’s a relative bargain. Well worth adding one to your stash before they’re all locked away.

2019-20 UPPER DECK STATURE AUTOGRAPHS GREEN #78 GLENN HALL

If you’re looking for a Hall of Fame autograph with undeniable visual appeal, this is your card. Limited to just 65 copies and boasting a terrific design, this is a single you could proudly put on display. And check out that every-letter sig! With two Stanley Cups and three Vezinas to his credit, Hall is one of the absolute best to play the position. And, at 89, he won’t be signing forever. Don’t miss out on adding him to your collection.

2019-20 O-PEE-CHEE PLATINUM ALL-STAR VARIANT #10 AUSTON MATTHEWS

NOT PRICED

We love when UD drops an unannounced Easter Egg variation into its products, and this All-Star themed surprise might be the best of this year’s offerings. The cards are tough to come by, which makes them a challenge for collectors of superstars like Matthews, but they’ve been surprisingly affordable when they pop up on the secondary market. They’re the sort of insert that set builders and star collectors will chase for years to come.

2019-20 O-PEE-CHEE PLATINUM #175 CALE MAKAR RC $6-$15

Most noteworthy RCs of this season’s Calder winner run about the same price as a monthly car payment, so finding a bargain is key for many would-be Makar collectors. Your best bet? His OPC Platinum rookie is a great-looking option that you can easily pick up for a few bucks.