Who to Collect - Victor Hedman

Drafted 2nd overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, standing 6'6 and 230 lbs., and already playing 25 minutes a night in the NHL at the age of 18, Victor Hedman is a phenom in the truest sense. After much decision-making over who to choose 1st overall, the Islanders selected John Tavares leaving the Tampa Bay Lightning with the pleasure of selecting the franchise defenseman who plays in a style reminiscent of Chris Pronger and Nicklas Lidstrom.



In terms of collecting, Victor Hedman is what some might regard as a 'tough call'. Although he is a top draft pick and has loads of talent, the hobby rarely gives the credit which is due to young defensemen or defensemen period. Many are moderately collected but even the best defensemen of the past few years rarely reach the level of flashy forwards or phenoms between the pipes. Hedman will have a massive following overseas... but Tampa Bay is not a hockey hotbed. There are many negatives and positives to consider when collecting Hedman or defensemen in general. In the grand scheme, I believe his cards will be on the same level as Dion Phaneuf when he entered the NHL in 2005-06. It's up to Victor Hedman and collectors to prove me wrong.

Hedman has appeared in previous releases of In The Game Ultimate and Heroes and Prospects, however his first NHLPA sanctioned hockey card releases will be available at Canada Card World