His family is all in.
“I found out [I was on the box] when it was released,” Chris Kavanagh said. “It was something I really didn’t expect as a rookie. I know I won Rookie of the Year, but there are definitely other players that are deserving, but it’s really cool.”
“My brother, Kevin, sent us a link to buy a box,” he added. “My mom bought a box. My two older brothers bought a box. We’ll see how that unfolds, and we’ll see who they get.”
A player’s rookie card is significant in the hobby because it represents the first time that player appears on a trading card, especially at the professional level. Additionally, players may have numerous cards over their careers, but there is only one rookie year.
The 2025 PLL Flagship set features a number of first-year players who made an immediate impact and have bright futures ahead of them, such as CJ Kirst, Andrew McAdorey, Owen Hiltz and Logan McNaney.
As the Rookie of the Year, Kavanagh finished fifth in the league in points (37) and tied for second in total goals (23). His cards – which include his base set rookie card, the “Highly Anticipated” insert (a set of the most anticipated debuts in the 2025 season), the “Catalyst” insert (for the most renowned superstars), an autograph card and a jersey relic card – will be some of the biggest chases in the set.
Kavanagh appreciated that he can influence younger collectors seeking their favorite players, but he also acknowledged the only reason that’s the case is because of the success he’s had on the field, and what he does next season can directly impact that.
“[The card] can increase in value, but it can definitely plummet in value as well,” he said. “You’ve got to stay in shape, stay focused on your game. … It’s very crucial to keep up with your workouts, keep your stick in your hands and not lose your love of the game.”
While Kavanagh said he and his brother, Pat, will definitely joke about whose card ends up being more valuable, if he were to start collecting, he thinks a couple of his former teammates from Notre Dame would make for good investments.
“If we’re going long-term value,” he said, “I would go with my brother or Liam Entenmann.”
Kavanagh believes the cards are a great way to increase interaction between the players and their fans. He said he’s prepared to see a lot of his cards this summer, especially from fans asking for his autograph after the game; he had changed his autograph a few times but now needs to stick to one to “make it really authentic.”
More important to Kavanagh, though, is how this recognition, being on the cover of the box, gives young players something else to aspire to achieve. This past year, Kavanagh was drafted by a pro team, appeared on prominent mainstream sports television shows like The Rich Eisen Show and Get Up!, won the Rookie of the Year award, and now is the featured athlete on the league’s cards.
He takes the responsibilities of being a representative of the league and a role model to younger players to heart.
“I’m always thinking about, ‘What would my [kid-version self] think of what I’m saying right now and what image I’m creating for myself?’” Kavanagh said. “I’m always being positive, being generous and putting yourself out there for others.”
