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The 1984-85 O-Pee-Chee set, a 396-card cornerstone of hockey’s golden era, is revered for its rookie class and leader subset, and #382—Wayne Gretzky’s Assist Leader card—is a crown jewel celebrating his record-shattering 1983-84 season. Graded Gem Mint 9.5 (a near-perfect score akin to PSA 9.5/BGS 9.5, just shy of pristine 10), this slabbed masterpiece is a condition rarity from OPC’s finicky production, notorious for off-center prints and edge wear. For Oilers diehards, Gretzky supercollectors, or investors chasing Hall of Fame trophy cards, this card is a high-grade triumph: iconic legacy, award pedigree, and market resilience. Here’s why it’s a must-own as of October 7, 2025.

Card Description

• Player & Design: Spotlights Wayne Gretzky, the 5'11" Brantford-born maestro who redefined hockey, in a dynamic Edmonton Oilers action pose—likely stickhandling or setting up a play, his vision on full display in blue-and-orange. The front, at 2.5" x 3.5", uses OPC’s classic ‘84-85 design: a large action shot paired with a circular inset headshot, framed by a diagonal yellow stripe with “Assist Leader” and “Edmonton Oilers” in white script. The back touts his 1983-84 NHL record of 125 assists (208 points total, also a record then), alongside stats from his Cup-winning campaign and OHL roots with Sault Ste. Marie. Card #382 anchors the leader subset (#373-396), a tribute to Gretzky’s eight-straight Art Ross and Hart Trophy dominance. Vibrant gloss and sharp colors make it pop.
• Condition & Grading: Encased in a Gem Mint 9.5 slab by a top-tier authenticator (comparable to PSA 9 or BGS 9.5, with subgrades likely 9-9.5 across centering/corners/edges/surface). Expect near-flawless 55/45 centering, pristine corners, clean edges, and a glossy face free of scratches, wax stains, or print flaws—rare for OPC’s light stock. Pop reports for 9.5+ are tight (under 200 estimated for #382), elevating it far above raw copies (typically NM 7) or mid-grade slabs prone to era wear.
• Rarity & Parallels: From OPC’s Canadian run (smaller than Topps’ U.S. counterpart), #382 is a base leader card with no direct parallels, but its subset status and Gretzky premium add scarcity. High-grade examples are elusive—most survivors sit at 7-8 due to production quirks—making this a chase for set builders. Pairs with Gretzky’s ‘84-85 OPC base (#258) or All-Star (#208) for an Oilers-era rainbow.

Why Buy This Card for Your Collection?

• Player Legacy on Ice: Gretzky, “The Great One,” is hockey’s untouchable benchmark—2,857 points (894 goals, 1,963 assists) in 1,487 games, with four Stanley Cups (1984-88), nine Harts, ten Art Ross trophies, and records that stand in 2025 (e.g., 215-point season, 1985-86). His 1983-84 campaign (87 goals, 125 assists, 205 points) clinched the Oilers’ first Cup and reset assist/points benchmarks, earning Hart and Art Ross honors. Inducted into the HOF in 1999, #99 is retired league-wide, and at 64, he’s a TNT analyst and 99 Foundation head, mentoring stars like McDavid. This card immortalizes his playmaking peak—a trophy moment from Edmonton’s dynasty launch.
• Investment Upside: OPC ‘84-85 Gretzky cards are hobby blue-chips, up 20-30% YOY amid vintage surges and HOF reverence. Low 9.5 pop shields it from overproduction, with 2-3x potential by 2028 (Cup anniversary buzz or McDavid record chases). Gem Mint 9.5 offers PSA 10 upside without the $500+ tax, with easy flips or cross-grading liquidity.
• Market Snapshot:  No bubbles—just relentless demand for The Great One’s accolades.

Secure this Gem Mint 9.5 Gretzky and you’re holding a piece of hockey’s Everest—an Oilers trophy card with dynasty swagger and flawless allure. Edmonton forever! 🛢️