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Hockey card enthusiasts know that Upper Deck's Young Guns subset is the gold standard for rookie cards—launching careers and building fortunes since the 1990s. The 2021-22 Series 2 set delivered a bumper crop of prospects, and few shine brighter than William Eklund's #475. Graded KSA 8.5 NM-MT (Near Mint-Mint), this card is a high-quality entry point into the San Jose Sharks' rebuilding era, blending affordability with upside potential. Whether you're a Sharks die-hard, a rookie hunter, or a savvy investor, this card deserves a spot in your binder or slab collection. Here's the full breakdown:

Card Description

• Player & Design: Features William Eklund, the dynamic Swedish forward drafted 7th overall by the San Jose Sharks in 2021. The front showcases Eklund in a sharp action pose—mid-stride with puck control, his teal Sharks jersey popping against a clean ice-blue background. Upper Deck's signature Young Guns style delivers crisp borders, bold team logos, and that iconic rookie badge in the corner. Card #475 measures the standard 2.5" x 3.5", with vibrant printing that captures Eklund's confident gaze and flowing hair— a nod to his Euro flair.
• Condition & Grading: Encapsulated and graded KSA 8.5 NM-MT by KSA (KSA Grading, a trusted alternative to PSA/BGS for cost-conscious collectors). This grade indicates near-perfect centering (typically 55/45 or better), minimal corner wear, sharp edges, and clean surfaces with no print defects or notching. The NM-MT designation means it's pristine enough for display but forgiving for everyday handling—far superior to raw copies that risk dings.
• Rarity & Parallels: This is the base Young Guns version, printed in high volume but with strong collector demand. Parallels like Speckled Rainbow Foil or Silver Foil command premiums (e.g., Speckle Rainbows in PSA 10 fetch $200+), making the base a smart "gateway" card.

Why Buy This Card for Your Collection?

• Player Potential on Ice: Eklund isn't just a card—he's a rising star with real NHL pedigree. At 20 years old, he's already logged 100+ games for the Sharks since his 2022 debut, showcasing elite playmaking (0.5+ points per game in AHL stints) and vision that draws comparisons to Henrik Sedin. In the 2024-25 season, he's projected to crack the top-6 forward role amid San Jose's youth movement, potentially boosting his stats and card value. If the Sharks turn the corner (hello, Macklin Celebrini synergy), Eklund could be their next franchise face—think 50-point seasons and All-Star nods.
• Investment Upside: Young Guns rookies are proven performers in the hobby market, Low pop reports (under 500 graded 8.5+ across services) add scarcity, and Sharks fandom is surging post-Celebrini hype.
• Collection Fit: Perfect for theme-building—slot it into a Sharks prospect PC, Swedish stars set (with Zibanejad or Pettersson), or modern Young Guns rainbow. It's versatile for grading upgrades (KSA slabs cross over well) or trading up to autos/parallels. In a hobby flooded with overprinted junk wax, this card stands out as a "buy low, watch grow" opportunity—affordable nostalgia for veterans, exciting entry for newbies.
• Market Snapshot: As of October 2025, demand is steady but not overheated, making now ideal for acquisition before Eklund's next breakout.

Snag this KSA 8.5 Eklund Young Guns, and you're not just collecting—you're investing in the next wave of NHL talent. 🦈