Patrice Bergeron is regarded as one of the premier two-way forwards in the history of the NHL. The captain of the Boston Bruins is still one of the league’s top forwards, having scored 20-plus goals in nine consecutive years.
He looks set to sign a one-year extension that would be his 19th in the Black and Gold. In that time, the Bruins have made the playoffs in all but four seasons, winning a Stanley Cup and reaching the Final two other times.
Here’s a list with five of the best Patrice Bergeron rookie cards, as we head back to 2003-04.
The Best Patrice Bergeron Rookie Cards
Patrice Bergeron rookie cards were released during the 2003-04 season.
5. 2003-04 Ultimate Memorabilia Patrice Bergeron RC /100 #106 (eBay)
Why is the signed 2003-04 Ultimate Memorabilia Patrice Bergeron RC not further up on this list? There’s only 100 copies, and it has a decent auto. (It can also be tough to locate, given the tiny print run.)
The 2003-04 BAP Ultimate Memorabilia set just isn’t popular with collectors, especially compared to the premium options listed above.
- Parallels: Gold #/20
Check prices of 2003-04 Ultimate Memorabilia Patrice Bergeron RC on eBay
4. 2003-04 Topps Pristine Patrice Bergeron RC /199 #109 (eBay)
2003-04 Topps Pristine features a great rookie option which is limited to only 199 copies.
(The set itself is a strange concept that has a pack within a pack format.)
The 2003-04 Topps Pristine Patrice Bergeron rookie card comes with Refractor versions limited to 59, as well as one-of-one printing plates. You’ll also be able to find a Gold Refractor Die-Cut version, serial numbered to 33.
- Parallels: Refractor #/59, Printing Plates 1/1
Check prices of 2003-04 Topps Pristine Patrice Bergeron RC on eBay
3. 2003-04 Upper Deck Young Guns Patrice Bergeron RC #204 (eBay)
The Upper Deck Young Guns set is consistently one of the best places to look for hockey rookie cards. Bergeron is no exception, with his card found in Series 1. It features a simple shot of the player in the locker room, wearing a Bruins jersey over his shirt.
As the flagship Upper Deck rookie product, it’s always a great card for Bergeron collectors.
- Parallels: Canadian Exclusives #/25; High Gloss #/10
Check prices of 2003-04 Upper Deck Young Guns Patrice Bergeron RC on eBay
2. 2003-04 SP Authentic Patrice Bergeron RC /100 #PB (eBay)
Heading to the high-end 2003-04 SP Authentic collection, the Future Watch Auto Patch is next up. (A special set, it celebrated the 10th anniversary for the SP brand.)
From the Signed Patches subset of 2003-04 SP Authentic, this card features an on-card autograph, while the patch was worn by Bergeron during a photo shoot. With a print run of just 100, it’s another that can be difficult to locate.
Check prices of 2003-04 SP Authentic Patrice Bergeron RC on eBay
1. 2003-04 SP Authentic Patrice Bergeron RC Auto /900 #146 (eBay)
It might be serial numbered to a larger 900, but the 2003-04 SP Authentic Future Watch auto has to be seen as one of the best Patrice Bergeron rookie cards to collect. It’s from a premium brand that is always likely to be popular with collectors.
The design is definitely cleaner than the patch seen above, which can blend in with the image of the player. This time, it’s the signature that takes centerstage.
- Parallels: Limited #/50
Check prices of 2003-04 SP Authentic Patrice Bergeron RC auto on eBay
Patrice Bergeron Rookie Cards: Buyers Guide
What does the market currently look like for the best Patrice Bergeron rookie cards? Here are our thoughts.
The majority of the unsigned cards listed above are relatively affordable if you’re looking at ungraded copies. The Bergeron Young Guns card is a great place to start.
We’d stick with the 2003-04 SP Authentic auto if you’re looking for the best Patrice Bergeron rookie card on the market. If you don’t care about it being signed, the Young Guns card should also be on your radar.
- Check prices of 2003-04 Upper Deck Young Guns Patrice Bergeron RC on eBay
- Check prices of 2003-04 SP Authentic Patrice Bergeron RC auto on eBay
Patrice Bergeron Rookie Cards: Final Thoughts
Having extended his career for another season, Bergeron has now won the Selke Trophy — awarded to the “forward who demonstrates the most skill in the defensive component of the game” — five times, surpassing Hall of Fame forward Bob Gainey for the most in NHL history.
(2022 marked the NHL-record 11th time that Bergeron was a finalist for the Selke Trophy.)
Far from a farewell tour, he is still near the top of his game. He’s certain to make the Hall of Fame, and could yet break further records along the way. It’s easy to see why his best rookie cards are always in demand.