1964 Topps #53 Jacques Laperriere PSA 8

1964 Topps #53 Jacques Laperriere PSA 8 – Defensive Brilliance from a Calder Winner

In just his second full NHL season, Jacques Laperrière was already making waves as one of the league’s premier young defensemen. By 1964, he had fully embraced his role on the Montreal Canadiens’ blueline, combining poised puck movement with a punishing defensive presence. Laperrière had just claimed the Calder Trophy the year prior, and he was proving that the honor was no fluke—anchoring the back end with maturity far beyond his years and helping reestablish the Canadiens as legitimate contenders.

This 1964 Topps #53 issue captures Laperrière during the formative stretch of a career that would ultimately earn him a place in the Hall of Fame. Still early in his NHL journey, his reputation was already that of a cerebral, efficient rearguard—calm under pressure and reliable in all zones. The Topps design for 1964 is clean and minimalist, with the vivid red nameplate contrasting sharply against the classic Canadiens uniform. This PSA 8 example boasts strong centering, bold color, and razor-sharp edges, offering an eye-catching version of a card that's often hindered by chipping or print flaws.

Laperrière would go on to become a seven-time NHL All-Star and capture six Stanley Cups as a player and coach, but this early card remains a standout reminder of where it all began. For collectors of vintage Habs legends, this high-grade piece is a fantastic tribute to one of the most respected defensive minds in franchise history.