NHL 2025 Draft Sleeper Picks: Hidden Gems For Savvy Card Investors

Introduction: The Thrill of Sleeper Picks in the NHL 2025 Draft

The 2025 NHL Draft is generating major buzz for its superstar-laden first round, but for true hockey card investors, the most compelling opportunities come from under-the-radar prospects and late-round selections. These hidden gems are not only affordable but can also become cornerstones of a smart card portfolio when they break out. This year’s draft class is especially rich with intriguing sleepers—players overlooked due to size, unconventional development paths, international status, or late surges in performance. In this post, we dive deep into these overlooked prospects and share how savvy investors can capitalize on the sleeper market in 2025.

Why Sleeper Picks Hold Enormous Upside for Hockey Card Investors

Unlike top ten picks, sleepers debut in the hobby market with little hype and lower print runs. Historical successes like Jesper Bratt and Troy Terry show why overlooked draft selections can yield massive profits when they outperform expectations. In 2025, the depth of the draft means value exists well into the third, fourth, and fifth rounds. Many of today’s best investment stories are built on recognizing potential before mass market attention arrives. Early targeting of sleepers allows investors to buy rookie cards at low prices, reaping the rewards if prospects hit their stride in the NHL.

2025 NHL Draft Sleeper Prospects to Watch

Emil Klingsell (Forward): Shined at the World Under-18s with remarkable playmaking. Scouts have hailed him as a “Bratt lite,” noting elite hockey IQ despite skating concerns. If he adapts, his assist potential could make his rookie cards highly desirable.

James Lane (Defenseman, Avon Old Farms/Harvard commit): A cerebral, mobile blue-liner, Lane captained his prep team and is headed to Harvard—a path that typically suppresses hype but encourages development. His blend of IQ, grit, and improving offense give him pronounced "two-way sleeper" appeal for card investors betting on NCAA breakouts.

Cameron Schmidt (Right Wing, Vancouver Giants): Often underappreciated because of his size, Schmidt has blazing speed and a scorer’s touch comparable to Alex DeBrincat. Physical refinement could see him become a high-octane late-round revelation in both the NHL and the card market.

Shawn Carrier (Left Wing, QMJHL, Halifax): Dubbed one of the fastest and most agile of the class, Carrier excels at beating defenders with lateral movement. If he continues to build confidence and offensive consistency, his low-profile rookie cards could experience a value surge.

David Bedkowski (Defenseman): Not the flashiest name, but Bedkowski’s rugged, playoff-ready style is tailor-made for postseason heroics—moments that drive sudden card demand, especially if he anchors an NHL blue line on a deep run.

Simon Wang (Defenseman): Gaining traction among international scouts, Wang is lauded for elite puck-moving talent and composure under duress in European leagues. Should he adjust quickly to the North American game, his rookie cards could transition from sleeper status to high-value collectibles in a hurry.

More 2025 NHL Draft Sleepers: North American and International Gems

Asher Barnett (Defenseman, USNTDP): Known for his reliability, leadership, and two-way play as U18 captain, Barnett is a sturdy mid-to-late round option. His penalty-killing acumen and mobile defense fit organizational needs, and his hockey sense might flourish at the pro level. Card investors can target him as a low-risk, steady-growth option.

Charlie Paquette (RW, Guelph OHL): Experienced a huge scoring upswing midseason—over 30 goals in 40 games. Size, skill, and a shooter's mindset give Paquette serious upside as a potentially undervalued wing with goal-scoring potential and card market appeal.

Kristian Epperson (LW, USA): Described as a "6'0'' honey badger" for his relentless play, Epperson’s mix of grit and offensive output (80 points in 58 games) make him a prime candidate to shoot up both NHL draft boards and hobby want-lists.

Hayden Paupanek & Matthew Gard (Centers): Both bring size (6'4") and physicality at center. Paupanek offers flashes of offense and reliable shutdown skill, while Gard is a defensive specialist who can neutralize top forwards. Each is a viable long-term card hold due to their projected middle-six NHL roles.

Alexander Zharovsky (Right Wing, Russia): With 50 points in 45 junior games and some KHL playoff experience, Zharovsky's blend of puck control, NHL influences (Kucherov, Panarin), and size mark him as a major international sleeper for cards.

Eddie Genborg (Forward, Sweden): Excelled for Linkoping and Sweden’s U18s with physical, energetic play. Genborg’s net-front skills and power-play upside give him a shot at a multifaceted NHL future, making his rookie cards sleeper picks for international collectors.

Trends and Market Dynamics Shaping NHL Card Investing in 2025

This draft highlights hobby focus on skill sets that flash in big moments—speed, vision, special teams, or playoff resilience. A growing international scouting network is boosting interest in players like Wang, Genborg, and Zharovsky, broadening the collectible landscape. The market also reacts quickly to tournament performances; under-the-radar stars at the U18s or World Juniors can experience overnight spikes in rookie card demand. Savvy investors should diversify between North American prospects with NCAA or major-junior credentials and high-upside international standouts. Remember: late-round breakout rates remain slim, so in-depth research and nimble buying are crucial for capturing upside while managing risk.

Investment Strategies: Turning Sleepers Into Card Portfolio Wins

Conclusion: Seize the Edge in NHL Draft Card Investing

The 2025 NHL Draft is more than a showcase of sure-fire stars; it’s a goldmine for those who can spot value where others see obscurity. Investors willing to dig deep and act early on sleeper picks—like Klingsell, Schmidt, Lane, Carrier, Bedkowski, Wang, Barnett, Paquette, Epperson, Paupanek, Gard, Zharovsky, and Genborg—are positioned for outsized rewards. By staying informed on prospect development and market shifts, you’ll find not just the next hockey sensation, but potentially the hobby’s next breakout card. Start your research now and turn overlooked potential into portfolio gold.