10 Most Collectible Goalies of All-Time
The men behind the mask are alluring to collectors. Maybe it's because you can't see their faces all the time. Perhaps it's because they have rubber bullets fired at them for 60 minutes a night. Either way, goaltenders are sometimes overlooked compared to the NHL's offensive juggernauts.
Still, there are some goalies that stand above the rest. These men who stand between the pipes every game are some of the biggest stars and fan favorites the game has ever had. This has translated into some tremendous hobby love.
10. Carey Price
Carey Price is one of the top young goaltenders in the league today. He plays for a team that's rich in tradition and has fans around North America. Price has plenty of cards already, many of which top prices of any other current goalie. While this may partly be due to hockey prospecting, there is no denying that Carey Price is one of the most highly collected goalies today.
9. Georges Vezina
Georges Vezina does not have many trading cards on the market and that is a shame. However, the more than $100,000 paid for his 1911-12 C55 rookie is amongst the highest ever paid for a hockey card.
8. Dominik Hasek
"The Dominator" dominated the NHL in the 90s. This was also a period in which the hobby was at a high point. Known for his ability to make acrobatic saves, he quickly became a fan and collector favorite. There are many Hasek cards to collect and a ton of collectors who still chase them.
7. Grant Fuhr
Being a Canadian-born goalie on a Canadian team is one thing. Leading that Canadian team to five Stanley Cups is another. Grant Fuhr did all that and more for the Edmonton Oilers. Playing with the great Wayne Gretzky during the Oilers' dynasty years helps as well. But his performances over those years speak for themselves. His penchant for winning titles and his Hall of Fame status make him one highly collectible goaltender today.
6. Jacques Plante
Jacques Plante was a revolutionary goalie. Not only was he able to win six Cups, he was the creator and developer of some of the first masks worn by goaltenders. While he does not have many cards to his name, he is still collected widely. Also, his contributions to the sport has helped influence entire sets based on mask designs.
5. Ed Belfour
Eddie "The Eagle" Belfour went from an undrafted goaltender to one that now is enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame. After a rookie season in which he won both the Calder and Vezina Trophies, he continued to earn the hardware and love from the fans. Collectors love him as well, showing particular excitement for his autographed cards.
4. Tony Esposito
A pioneer of the butterfly style of defending the net, "Tony O" was one of the best in net during the 70s. He led the Blackhawks to the 1969 Stanley Cup and won three Vezinas in his career. A legend in Chicago, collectors continue to flock to the goaltending pioneer.
3. Terry Sawchuk
One of the best goalies of all-time, Terry Sawchuk was a winner. He won over 500 games and celebrated four Stanley Cups. Sawchuk won four Vezinas and is a Hall of Famer. It's only natural that one of the best goaltenders of all-time would be one of the most highly collected, despite him not having many cards in modern sets. His early death at the age of 40 makes his memorabilia and autographs even harder to find. Collectors are always eager to get their hands on his collectibles.
2. Martin Brodeur
Marty Brodeur has had a long and successful career in the NHL, winning multiple Stanley Cup titles with the New Jersey Devils. The league's all-time leader in wins and shutouts is a hot commodity in the hobby. The fact that he has played his entire career with just one team has helped as well. With cards that span decades, Martin Brodeur is one of the easiest players to collect in the league.
1. Patrick Roy
Not only is "Saint Patrick" one of hockey's most collected goalies, he's also one of the game's most collected players -- period. With a career that started in the hockey mecca of Montreal, he brought Stanley Cup championships to both the Canadiens and, later, the Colorado Avalanche. In both cities he was a major fan and franchise favorite. Like Brodeur, Roy has had cards spanning decades. He continues to appear in sets today and his signature is a cornerstone of any release.
Special Mention: Vladislav Tretiak
Tretiak was a wall for the USSR throughout the 70s and 80s. He won multiple gold medals and was a major player on the international scene. Drafted by the Canadiens, a move to the NHL was blocked by the Soviet government. Despite having never played professional hockey in North America, Tretiak's autographs are relatively rare and command strong prices on the secondary market.
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Tom
Do you know why Panini only did their All Goalie Set for one season? Didn’t make enough money?
Hard to imagine when In The Game can pull off their Between The Pipes set each year and without licensing.
Any idea why ITG can’t get licensing?
Thank you for your time!
Ryan Cracknell
Tom » Judging by the number of sets I see on clearance and in retail repackage products, I suspect it didn’t do well. Between the Pipes has been around for a while so there’s brand recognition. Plus, I believe it probably has a more limited print run. Not to mention stronger content than the Panini set had.