If you grew up trading hockey cards in the early 90s, you probably remember the junk wax era. It was a time of massive overproduction, neon colors, and more "future stars" than the sky could hold. But standing tall in that sea of cardboard is the martin brodeur rookie card. Honestly, it's one of the few cards from that specific window that hasn't just held its value but has actually become a staple for any serious hockey collector.
You’ve got to love the visual of a young Brodeur on his first official cards. He looks like a kid who just won the lottery, which, considering he was the 20th overall pick in 1990, he kinda did. But for collectors, the "lottery" is figuring out which card is actually the one to own. It’s not as straightforward as a modern Young Guns card.
The Great Debate: Score vs. 7th Inning Sketch
When people talk about the martin brodeur rookie card, they are usually referring to the 1990-91 Score #439. This is the big one. It’s widely accepted as his "true" rookie card because it’s a major brand and it captures him in that iconic draft-day New Jersey Devils sweater.
But here’s the thing. Hardcore hobbyists will point you toward the 1990-91 7th Inning Sketch LHJMQ #222. This isn’t an NHL card. It’s from his time with the Saint-Hyacinthe Laser in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
Is it a rookie? Technically, most people call it a "pre-rookie" or a "prospect card." But because only about 4,800 of these sets were ever made—a tiny fraction compared to the millions of Score packs—the 7th Inning Sketch card is actually much harder to find in high grades. If you see a PSA 10 of the junior card, you're looking at a four-figure price tag. The Score card? You can snag a PSA 10 for a few hundred bucks on a good day.
Breaking Down the 1990-91 Score Variations
If you’re hunting for the Score version, you need to know there are two distinct flavors: the American and the Canadian.
The American version is the most common. You can tell them apart easily. The American card has a purple-ish border on the front, while the Canadian version is a bit more distinct with its bilingual text on the back.
Value-wise, they used to be neck-and-neck, but the Canadian version often carries a slight premium for collectors who like the "O-Pee-Chee" vibe of having French text. It just feels a little more "hockey," you know?
- 1990 Score #439 (American): Huge print run. Easy to find, hard to get in a "perfect" 10 because the blue/purple borders show chips like crazy.
- 1990 Score #439 (Canadian): Slightly lower print run than the US version, but still widely available.
- 1990 Score Factory Set (Glossy): These were only available in the factory sets and have a much shinier finish. These are the "hidden gems" of the Score run.
Why 1992-93 Upper Deck Isn't the Real Rookie
I see this mistake a lot on eBay. Someone lists a 1992-93 Upper Deck #408 as a martin brodeur rookie card. I get why. It’s his first "Star Rookie" card from Upper Deck, and it actually shows him in goalie gear rather than a suit.
But it’s not his rookie. By the time that card came out, his Score card had already been sitting in binders for two years.
That said, the '92 Upper Deck card is still a beautiful piece of history. It’s part of the High Series, which was harder to find back then than the Low Series. If you’re a Brodeur completionist, you want it. Just don’t pay "true rookie" prices for it.
The Condition Squeeze: Why Grading Matters
Condition is everything with 90s cards. Score cards were notoriously flimsy. The card stock was thin, and the dark borders on the 1990-91 set are a nightmare.
If you look at the corners of a raw Brodeur Score card, you’ll likely see tiny white specks. That’s the ink chipping off the paper. Because of this, the population of PSA 10s is surprisingly low compared to the number of cards that were printed.
Expert Tip: If you're buying raw (ungraded) cards, look closely at the "Score" logo and the bottom corners. If you see even a hint of white, it's not getting a 10. Honestly, most "Near Mint" cards from this era are actually 7s or 8s.
The Market Outlook in 2026
Where is the martin brodeur rookie card headed? Well, Brodeur is the all-time leader in wins and shutouts. Those records aren't being touched anytime soon.
As long as the NHL exists, Marty will be the gold standard for goaltending. This makes his rookie card a "blue chip" investment in the hobby. It’s not going to triple in price overnight like a hot new rookie, but it’s never going to zero. It’s the kind of card you buy, grade, and tuck away for a decade.
Recently, we've seen a surge in interest for "Junk Wax 10s." Collectors who couldn't afford a Gretzky or a Lemieux are flocking to the 90s legends they actually grew up watching. Brodeur is at the top of that list.
What You Should Do Next
If you’re looking to add a Brodeur to your collection, here is the smartest way to play it:
First, decide if you want the "true" rookie or the "rare" one. If you want the icon, go for the 1990-91 Score #439. If you have a bigger budget and want something with a much lower supply, hunt down the 7th Inning Sketch QMJHL card.
Second, don't buy "unopened" packs hoping to pull a 10. The way those cards were packed back in 1990 usually led to "brick-ing," where the cards stick together and ruin the surface when you peel them apart. You’re much better off buying a card that is already graded by PSA, BGS, or SGC.
Focus on the Canadian Score version in a PSA 9 if you want the best "bang for your buck." It looks identical to a 10 to the naked eye but costs a fraction of the price.
Check the centering. Score was notorious for "diamond cuts" where the image is slightly tilted. Avoid those like the plague. A perfectly centered 9 is always better than a off-center 10 that somehow slipped through the cracks.
Hold onto it. Goalies don't get the same love as goal scorers in the hobby, but Brodeur is the exception that proves the rule.