Hockey collecting guide
Patrick Roy1986-87 O-Pee-Chee #53
Roy’s first O-Pee-Chee card follows a championship season and rewards close inspection of the actual copy.
Patrick Roy had already helped Montreal win the 1986 Stanley Cup and earned the Conn Smythe Trophy when this rookie issue appeared. For a Canadiens collection, #53 links the goalie directly to that playoff run. For a set collector, it is a reason to learn the particular look of 1986–87 O-Pee-Chee.
Place the image in its set
The 264-card issue uses a color player photograph, a team logo near a bottom corner, and identifying text along the lower part of the front. PSA gives the standard card dimensions as 2½ by 3½ inches. Look for Roy’s #53 in that design. Confirm the number on a complete reverse image, especially when a listing shows only a tightly cropped picture of Roy. 1 2
The player behind the card
Roy’s regular-season record in the year on the card was 22 wins in 46 appearances. Keeping those numbers apart from Montreal’s earlier Stanley Cup run helps date the rookie issue and the championship correctly. 5
The card’s season
1986-87 · Montréal Canadiens
NHL regular season
46 appearances · 22 wins, 2.94 goals-against average, .891 save percentage. 5
A raw copy merits a second look
PSA documents counterfeits of Roy’s rookie. Matching the layout and size helps identify the intended issue, but authentication requires more than a matching photograph. For a substantial raw purchase, arrange expert examination or choose an authenticated example. If the card is slabbed, compare the certification record and photographs with the card and holder actually being offered. 1
Pick the defect you can live with
On a lower-priced copy, note where the wear lands. A softened corner at the edge of the design may be a different tradeoff from a crease through Roy’s image. Ask for a second angle if a line seems to disappear into the holder glare. Keep the inspection photographs with any sale you use for comparison, so the price stays tied to the condition you saw. 2
Documented prices
PSA estimate
$1,115 USD · PSA 9
Reference recorded Nov 4, 2026 for this grade.
View the PSA referenceCurrent eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Current asking prices are marketplace listings, not verified sales or appraisals.
Finding current exact-match listings…
Collector questions
Why is the playoff season relevant to a rookie-card collector?
Roy won the Cup and playoff MVP honors with Montreal in his rookie season. The following O-Pee-Chee issue gives that story a specific card.
Can the printed dimensions authenticate a raw copy?
They can help you identify the intended format. A high-value raw example merits expert authentication.