The 2005-06 NHL season saw the debut of one of the most anticipated players to hit the ice, and the hockey card hobby, in quite some time in the form of Sidney Crosby. It also marked the debut of Alexander Ovechkin, who's already shown in his young career that he's an equally bright star.
Like Crosby, Ovechkin was the first overall pick in the NHL Draft, going to the Washington Capitals in 2004. But the Russian forward's North American debut was delayed by the lockout that wiped out the 2004-05 season, ensuring a Calder Trophy race for the ages.
History will show that it was Ovechkin that took the trophy as the league's top rookie in 2005-06, lighting the lamp 52 times en route to finishing third in the NHL in goals and scoring. His speed, hands and shot translated immediately to the highest level of pro hockey, with several of his goals turning into highlights of the "have to be seen to be believed" variety.
Ovechkin slid back just a little in his sophomore season, finishing with 46 goals and 92 points. He had no such problems in year three, carrying the Capitals to a playoff berth with a team-record 65 goals and a league-leading 112 points. That earned him the Art Ross and Rocket Richard trophies and serious consideration for the Hart Trophy as well.
Locked up to a long-term contract, Alexander the Great is poised to turn Washington from a hockey wasteland into a strong new collecting market. While continuing comparisons to Crosby are probably inevitable, collectors love goal scorers, and Ovechkin is dynamic enough to rack up hundreds of goals during his NHL career. He's also proven to be quite the showman, offering a bit of a personality contrast to the Penguins' more intense young superstar.
Ovechkin's 2005-06 rookie cards are paced by his The Cup # 179, which could very well be headed for a five-digit price tag. At the other end of the scale is his Upper Deck Victory # 264, which is likely to remain his most affordable first-year issue no matter how high the whole lineup climbs.
Alexander Ovechkin 2005-06 Rookie Cards
- Beehive # 102
- Black Diamond # 191
- Hot Prospects # 275 - autographed jersey card
- Parkhurst # 700
- SP Authentic # 190 - autographed, #'d to 999
- SP Game Used # 111 - #'d to 999
- SPx # 190 - autographed jersey card #'d to 499
- The Cup # 179 - autographed jersey card #'d to 99
- UD Artifacts # 230 - #'d to 750
- UD Powerplay # 143
- Ultimate Collection # 92 - autographed, #'d to 299
- Ultra # 252
- Upper Deck # 443
- Upper Deck Ice # 103 - #'d to 99
- Upper Deck MVP # 394
- Upper Deck Rookie Update # 275 - #'d to 199
- Upper Deck Trilogy # 220 - #'d to 999
- Upper Deck Victory # 264