Top NHL Prospects to Chase in Upper Deck Series 1 (2025–26)

Upper Deck Series 1 Hockey is the hobby’s annual kickoff—your first chance to pull the year’s most anticipated Young Guns rookie cards. With a fresh rookie class headlined by dynamic scorers and power‑play quarterbacks, 2025–26 S1 is shaping up as a flagship release worth ripping, collecting, and grading. Below you’ll find a practical, collector‑first guide to the top NHL prospects to watch for, how Young Guns checklists are built, what the expected box odds look like, and smart buying tips for both set builders and singles hunters.

Why Series 1 Matters Every Year

• It’s the flagship. S1 traditionally launches the main 250‑card base set, introduces the first wave of Young Guns, and sets the design language for the season’s inserts and parallels.
• It starts the rookie chase. Series 1 often catches the rookies who signed and/or debuted before the early‑season print window—then Series 2 and Extended clean up the rest.
• It’s broadly available. From tins and retail blasters to hobby boxes, S1 is accessible for new collectors, while rare parallels keep the ceiling high for case breakers.

Release Window & Configuration (What to Expect)

Estimated release: mid‑October 2025. Hobby configuration historically features six (6) Young Guns per hobby box (on average) with a 250‑card base set broken down into 198 veterans, 49 Young Guns, and 3 checklist cards. Parallels like Outburst Silver (base and YG), Clear Cut, and chase‑tier Outburst Gold 1/1 keep the hunt spicy. (Final odds and content may vary by product type.)

Young Guns vs. “Best Rookies” — How Cards Make the Cut

Upper Deck’s Young Guns typically include players who signed and appeared in the NHL (regular season) in time for the set’s production cutoff. Other rookies who sign later or debut mid‑season often slide to Series 2 or Extended. That’s why you’ll see “watch lists” each fall: some big names hit S1, and others are saved for later waves.

Top Prospect Watchlist for Series 1 (2025–26)

Note: Inclusion depends on final checklists and debut timing, but these names are among the most likely early headliners based on contracts, team plans, and rookie eligibility.

1) Ivan Demidov (RW/LW, Montréal Canadiens)

Electrifying hands, elite deception, and power‑play vision—Demidov signed his NHL deal in spring and heads to training camp as a favorite for Calder buzz. Expect instant hobby heat if he breaks camp on the top six and PP1. His Young Guns could be the chase card of S1 if he’s in the initial wave.

2) Michael Misa (C/W, San Jose Sharks)

Exceptionally skilled with separation speed and finish. The 2025 No. 2 pick signed immediately and impressed in prospect events. If he sticks past his nine‑game trial, an early‑season Young Guns would draw heavy Sharks and rookie‑class demand—especially paired with San Jose’s other high‑upside youngsters.

3) Zeev Buium (D, Minnesota Wild)

High‑IQ transition defender who drives play and can quarterback a power play. Buium signed an ELC in April and got his NHL feet wet around season’s end. Offensive D rookies with PP usage tend to gain hobby traction fast—watch his early ice‑time and role.

4) Zayne Parekh (D, Calgary Flames)

One of the most dynamic offensive defense prospects of the last few classes. Already on an ELC with Calgary, Parekh’s ability to create off the blue line and run a power play makes him a prime candidate for a top‑tier Young Guns if he’s on the opening‑night roster.

5) Ryan Leonard (RW, Washington Capitals)

North‑south finisher with snarl—perfect fit for Washington’s identity. He signed in March and debuted in April. If he wasn’t captured in last summer’s releases, Leonard’s YG in S1 would be a popular chase thanks to goal‑scoring upside and a massive fan base.

6) Jimmy Snuggerud (RW, St. Louis Blues)

Heavy shot, excellent off‑puck routes, and power‑play potential. Snuggerud signed late in the 2024–25 campaign and stepped right in. If he lands top‑six time and PP looks, expect a quick rise in singles demand.

7) Sam Rinzel (D, Chicago Blackhawks)

Big‑tool right‑shot blueliner with skating and reach—Rinzel signed in March and is projected to push for NHL minutes. If he earns regular shifts next to a marquee teammate, hobby attention will follow.

8) Alexander Nikishin (D, Carolina Hurricanes)

An established KHL force now stateside on a two‑year deal. Physical, smart, and increasingly offensive—if Nikishin settles into Carolina’s top four, a YG in S1 becomes a strong long‑term hold given age, role, and pedigree.

9) Isaac Howard (LW, Edmonton Oilers)

Reigning Hobey Baker winner traded to the Oilers and immediately signed. If he cracks the roster and sees time alongside elite centers, his Young Guns could become one of the surprise chases of the product.

10) Yaroslav Askarov (G, San Jose Sharks)

Premium goalie prospect who moved to San Jose and remains Calder‑eligible (limited prior NHL regular‑season games). If he seizes the 1A role and the team takes a step, a strong rookie goalie YG historically holds real hobby appeal.

Deep Cuts & Watch‑List Names

• Gabe Perreault (NYR): High‑skill winger signed in March; if he sticks, Rangers market demand will do the rest.
• Cayden Lindstrom (CBJ): Size/skill center—timing of debut dictates whether he’s S1 or a later wave.
• Rutger McGroarty (PIT): If healthy and locked into the lineup, his popularity plus Penguins brand could spike demand.

Chase Structure, Pull Rates & Parallels (At a Glance)

• Base Set: 250 cards (198 veterans, 49 YG, 3 CL).
• Hobby Young Guns: ~6 per box on average.
• Key Parallels/Inserts: Outburst Silver (base & YG), Clear Cut (base & YG), rare Outburst Gold 1/1, plus returning favorites and new thematic inserts.
• Canvas, Portraits, Dazzlers and retro/throwback content typically return to give set builders plenty to chase.

Collector Strategy: How to Approach 2025–26 S1

1) If you’re ripping hobby/cases

• Track the checklist and debuts. If a headliner slips to S2, shift expectations. If he’s confirmed for S1, target release‑week breaks.
• Parallel math. Outburst Silver YG singles often outpace base YG; Clear Cut YG are short‑print darlings with steady long‑term floors.
• Condition is king. Flagship is sensitive to corner whitening and centering. Pre‑screen ruthlessly before grading.

2) If you’re buying singles

• Release‑week volatility. Prices can peak early; consider waiting for the initial flood unless you’re targeting SSPs or team‑PC cards.
• Watch ice‑time and deployment. PP usage and linemates can swing prices faster than box odds; a demotion can do the opposite.
• Think tranches. Pick up a few raw YG at launch, revisit mid‑season, then reassess after playoffs. Average your cost basis.

3) Long‑Term Holds

• Forwards with highlight‑reel skill (Demidov/Misa) and PP‑quarterback defensemen (Buium/Parekh) historically lead the class.
• Goalies require patience. Askarov‑type prospects may take an extra year—but breakouts can cause dramatic price spikes.

Link to Shop

Want in‑stock boxes, tins, and singles as checklists finalize? Browse our live hockey inventory here: Shop Hockey Cards (In‑Stock Only).

Image Suggestions

• Hero banner: Clean spread of sealed S1 boxes/tins with a “Young Guns” card centered (mockup ok).
• Prospect grid: 3×3 headshots (Demidov, Misa, Buium, Parekh, Leonard, Snuggerud, Rinzel, Nikishin, Howard).
• Parallel showcase: Close‑ups of Outburst Silver and Clear Cut finishes to show texture and shine.

FAQs – Upper Deck Series 1 & Young Guns (tap + to expand)