Connor Bedard: A Problem for the Hobby

Here’s the problem — Connor Bedard.

Here’s the solution — Connor Bedard.

For anyone who knows me, or anyone who has been a fairly steady reader of this newsletter, then you know I have a deep affection for hockey, particularly the hockey hobby. 

Since way back in the day, and I mean way back, I’ve always thought of the hockey hobby and both underserved and under appreciated. 

In many ways, I still feel that way. 

It’s undoubtedly a niche segment of the overall industry, yet one heaping with loyalty, commitment and really savvy collectors. 

That said, the hockey hobby has seem a bit of a transformation as of late, as more and more folks discover the joys (and potential) of hockey.

As a result, new faces, new ideas and new money have been streaming into the hobby. 

To those of us that have been around a while, we’re geeked to see this — honestly.

But, we also have to deal with the growing pains of out beloved hockey hobby. 

The arrival of Connor Bedard, dubbed the next great talent in the game, has driven prices of wax up to levels that I can’t ever remember seeing. 

Series 2 Upper Deck flagship, for example, are hovering around $300 a box. This is nearly triple what we used to pay for the same product as recently as last year.

The singles market, well, it’s tanked. 

The only chase anyone is really interested in is the Bedard one, leaving great buying opportunities I suppose, for the reminder of the league’s top talents.

But truly, the singles market is struggling as collectors are either hoarding funds for the next Bedard release, or they’re flat-out broke from over-paying for the last Bedard offering. 

Either way, it’s not a rosy predicament around these parts. 

So, what’s the solution?

Well, Bedard is. 

Upper Deck has taken every single opportunity to include him (whether it’s a redemption, a Team Canada or otherwise) opportunity to include him in releases. 

Which means there are no shortages of Bedard cards in reality. 

So, the hope is that sooner or later everyone will get their taste of the mania and the hobby will make a correction. 

Along with that, the craving to grossly overpay for 23-24 wax and break spots is waning. People are starting to catch on to the fact that manufacturers, distributors, and many breakers are really taking advantage of the FOMO collectors have had when it comes to Bedard.

Remember, I did say this was a savvy group at heart.