Sport: Hockey
Set: 2015-16 Upper Deck Young Guns
Card: #201 Connor McDavid
What makes it special? Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid is not only one of the best players of his generation but is already considered among the most elite players in NHL history. The 29-year-old has a massive collection of individual awards, including three Hart Memorial Trophies, six Art Ross Trophies, five Ted Lindsay Awards, a Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy, and a Conn Smythe Trophy. The No. 1 overall pick from the 2015 NHL Draft is still competing for his first Stanley Cup (and the Oilers' first title since 1990), since an NHL title is one of the few accolades missing in his trophy cabinet.
After back-to-back appearances in the Finals in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, and a disappointing first round exit last season, Edmonton has started the 2026-27 season as one of the hottest teams in the NHL. Currently leading their division after 19 games with one of the best records in the league, McDavid is also in fine form. He has already collected 48 points (goals + assists) so far this season, which is 12 more points than the next best player. In addition, the Oilers are one of only three teams that are averaging four goals per game, as McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and company make another push for a Stanley Cup this season.
McDavid's individual success and stellar statistics since he became a pro have made him a fan favorite on and off the ice. He is one of the most collected hockey players in the game today, and his cards are some of the most valuable modern hockey cards on the market. As the most popular rookie cards in hockey, Young Guns inserts have become the gold standard in the hobby. They are highly sought-after and chased every season when Upper Deck releases their flagship set. Therefore, it is no surprise that when it comes to the 2015-16 Upper Deck Hockey Young Guns checklist, the #201 Connor McDavid is the gem of the set.
Did you know? Connor McDavid's talent on ice was evident from an early age. Coached by his father when he played for the York Simcoe Express, McDavid won four Ontario Minor Hockey Association titles as a youth. In 2011, he joined the Toronto Marlboros of the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL), where he won the GTHL Player of the Year and the Tim Adams Memorial Trophy. In 2012, Hockey Canada granted McDavid exceptional player status, allowing him to play junior hockey at 15 years old, which is primarily reserved for those at least 16 years old.
The Erie Otters selected McDavid with the first overall pick in that year's Ontario Hockey League (OHL) draft. After three successful OHL seasons, the young hockey star concluded his final season with the Otters by recording 120 points, which earned McDavid multiple OHL and Canadian Hockey League (CHL) awards, including the Red Tilson Trophy, Wayne Gretzky 99 Award, and CHL Player of the Year Award. As a teenager, he also represented Canada on the international level, as well, winning gold medals at the 2013 World U18 Championships and 2015 World Junior Championships before making the jump to the NHL and becoming the No. 1 overall draft pick at just 18 years old.
Total graded by CGC: As of November 2026, CGC has certified 58 examples of the 2015-16 Upper Deck Young Guns #201 Connor McDavid, which includes four Silver Foil parallels. CGC has also certified one autographed Buyback version of the 2015-16 Upper Deck Young Guns #201, which was part of the 2019-20 Upper Deck release.
CGC median grade: CGC 9.5 (for those numerically graded)
CGC highest grade: CGC Pristine 10 (base), CGC Gem Mint 10 (Silver Foil)
Sales highlights: Five CGC-authenticated examples and one graded example of the 2015-16 Upper Deck Young Guns #201 Connor McDavid have sold through Fanatics Collect, including two Silver Foil examples and the autographed Buyback version. Out of the base examples, a CGC Gem Mint 10 version realized $1,530 in September 2026, and two authenticated versions realized $810 to $660 in Fanatics Collect sales in June 2025 and January 2026, respectively. The two authenticated Silver Foil versions realized $2,760 in March 2025 and $2,310 in December 2024. In addition, the autographed Buyback version realized $9,600 in February 2025 (pictured above).
CGC Cards Registry: There is an example of the 2015-16 Upper Deck Young Guns #201 Connor McDavid that is powering the first-place set competing in Company Sets for 2015-16 Upper Deck in the CGC Cards Registry, earning the Top Ranked designation among six competitors. In addition, the same card is found in the Competing Hockey - Player Sets, powering the second-place set among 19 competitors.
The CGC Cards Registry is a free online platform where collectors can register and display CGC-certified cards, compete with other collectors, and get inspired to create their own collections. There is a hockey section on the CGC Cards Registry — go here to explore your options for adding cards to a set there!
Related Link: More CGC Featured Card of the Month articles