Macklin Celebrini rookie card sells for record $1.28 million

A unique 1-of-1 Macklin Celebrini ‘Outburst Gold Young Guns’ rookie card sold for $1.28 million during a Goldin Auctions event on Saturday. The sale marks the highest price ever paid for a hockey card, excluding those belonging to Wayne Gretzky.

The card, produced by Upper Deck, is a singular item, which contributed to its record-breaking value. Celebrini, the 2024 NHL Draft first overall pick and current San Jose Sharks forward, recently signed a five-year contract extension worth $94 million.

Wayne Gretzky remains the all-time leader for hockey card sales, with his 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee rookie card selling for $3.75 million in 2021. The collector who originally pulled the Celebrini card from a hobby box described the find as a “life-changing” event for his family.