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Upper Deck's Young Guns subset remains the hobby's gold standard for NHL rookies, spotlighting prospects who could redefine franchises—and John-Jason "JJ" Peterka's #711 from the 2021-22 Extended Series is a prime example. Drafted 34th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in 2020, this PSA 10 Gem Mint slab captures Peterka's explosive potential at the cusp of his pro breakout. Now, after a blockbuster trade to the Utah Mammoth and a massive extension, Peterka's trajectory screams value play. For Sabres loyalists, German hockey enthusiasts, or investors eyeing affordable modern rookies, this card is a smart, high-ceiling addition—blending elite condition with a player's mid-20s surge. Here's the full pitch as of October 7, 2025.

Card Description

• Player & Design: Showcases JJ Peterka, the 6'0", 200-lb Munich-born winger with blistering speed and a lethal wrister, in a sharp action pose—mid-stride in his Sabres blue and gold, puck tucked close, eyes on goal. The front pops with UD's iconic Young Guns treatment: clean white borders, bold team logo, and that signature rookie badge in gold foil against an icy blue backdrop. At 2.5" x 3.5", card #711 from the Extended Series (late-season release) feels premium yet accessible, with the back dishing draft lore (34th overall, post-DEL debut with EHC Red Bull München) and early AHL flashes (28 goals in 70 Rochester games, 2021-22). No autos or relics here—just pure rookie essence from a set loaded with hits like Bedard precursors.
• Condition & Grading: Encapsulated in a PSA 10 Gem Mint slab, the hobby's pinnacle grade signifying flawless 50/50 centering, pristine corners (no dings), razor-sharp edges, and a spotless surface free of print defects, scratches, or gloss loss—rarer for Extended Series cards prone to pack-fresh imperfections. PSA 10 pop reports hover low (under 500 for #711), elevating this from raw pulls to a display-ready vault piece that outshines mid-grades without the waitlist hassle.
• Rarity & Parallels: From the 2021-22 Extended Series' high-volume print (but Young Guns demand keeps bases tight), #711 is the core rookie with parallels like Rainbow Foil (/25, $200+) or Black (/10, $400+) commanding flips. This base PSA 10 is the value sweet spot, pairing seamlessly with Peterka's SP Authentic Future Watch auto (/999) for a German/Utah rainbow.

Why Buy This Card for Your Collection?

• Player Potential on Ice: Peterka's no longer a prospect—he's a cornerstone. After exploding for 68 points (27 goals) in 77 games with Buffalo in 2024-25 (up from 50 in 82 the prior year), he inked a 5-year, $38.5M extension ($7.7M AAV) with Utah post-summer 2025 trade, locking him through 2029-30 as a top-six winger and PP1 fixture. At 23, his 2024-25 surge (2.76 SOG/game, power-play pops) drew Kane comps for his speed and hands, with recent news pegging him for a lateral production boost in Utah's rebuild (projected 70-80 points in 2025-26). Internationally, he's a German national team staple (Worlds gold potential), and his DEL roots add Euro flair—think the next Stützle with more grit.
• Investment Upside: Young Guns PSA 10s are proven risers, up 20-30% YOY for breakout talents like Peterka amid trade hype. Recent eBay/COMC comps (October 2025) show this #711 PSA 10 trading up from mid-2025, fueled by his extension and Utah buzz. Low pop + contract security signal 2x potential by 2027 (if he hits 30 goals or playoffs), especially as Utah's "Mammoth" rebrand spotlights young guns. PSA's gold standard ensures liquidity for flips or crossovers, dodging lesser grades' fade.
• Collection Fit: Essential for Sabres alumni PCs, German stars sets (with Stützle or Draisaitl), or 2021-22 Young Guns completists (~$200 NM base). 
• Market Snapshot: eBay comps peg PSA 10 #711s up 15% YOY from tracked sales. Demand ticks with Peterka's injury-free return (day-to-day as of early October 2025) and Mammoth preseason buzz—no overheat, just steady climbs tied to his top-line projection.

Lock in this PSA 10 Gem Mint Peterka #711 for and you're investing in a winger's ascent—a German rocket with Utah shine, extension security, and Young Guns pedigree. Mammoth rising! 🦣