Trading card enthusiasts and hockey aficionados, prepare your collecting binders for the arrival of a new legend in the making. The commotion comes courtesy of Upper Deck, the kingpin of the collectible card universe, which recently announced an exclusive multi-year partnership with Matthew Schaefer, one of the most hyped prospects heading into the 2025 NHL Draft. Just 17 years young, Schaefer is already making waves, and now he’s skating full throttle into the Upper Deck hall of fame alongside other future stars and hockey legends.
So, what does this mean for collectors? In essence, if you’ve been waiting with bated breath to snag a rookie card of this prodigious defenseman dripping with potential or hoping to score a puck graced with his signature, Upper Deck is the exclusive gateway. That’s right—the card giant holds the monopoly on all things Matthew Schaefer, ensuring they’ll be your destination for anything adorned with his likeness or autograph.
There’s a sweet layer of nostalgia layered into this groundbreaking deal as well. Schaefer, who is the talk of the draft—and expected to be numero uno come next year—is having what could be described as a storybook moment. “It’s pretty special,” the young athlete mused, reflecting on simpler times when cracking open card packs and sorting through them was an endearing family activity. Now, lo and behold, it’s his own face that will be found tucked between the packs. Not a small achievement, considering he’s not yet old enough to order a rental car without a chaperone.
Upper Deck’s enthusiasm mirrors Schaefer’s. Jason Masherah, the president of the company, was positively effusive as he heralded Schaefer’s signing. “Matthew Schaefer is undeniably one of the most promising young talents in hockey today,” he noted, probably already envisioning how Schaefer will look next to Upper Deck’s established triumvirate of talent and nostalgia. One can’t help but wonder if the designs for Schaefer’s version of Upper Deck’s revered “Young Guns” series are already etched in Masherah’s sketchbooks.
It’s not merely hype with Schaefer, though. On the ice, he’s a game-changer, plain and simple. This season, he showcased his dynamic skill set by racking up an impressive 22 points over 17 games despite grappling with injuries. A linchpin for the Erie Otters, Schaefer was their first overall pick back in the 2023 Ontario Hockey League Draft. His international résumé sparkles just as brightly, boasting a pair of gold medals earned with Team Canada at the esteemed U17 World Challenge and the U18 Worlds competitions. He’s not just playing for keeps—he’s winning them.
For eager collectors, the wait will be wonderfully brief. Upper Deck plans to release signed pucks, jerseys embossed with Schaefer’s name, and other enticing prints on its online store by the month’s end. Trading cards with Schaefer’s face emblazoned will emerge following his foray into the NHL, so it’s time to earmark some space in those overstuffed collecting albums.
The much-anticipated 2025 NHL Draft is penciled in for June 27–28 and will take place at the iconic L.A. Live’s Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. All eyes are on Schaefer, who seems unperturbed by the looming spotlight. He’s been preparing for this moment all his life—a life that’s just beginning to unfold on some of the biggest stages.
Thanks to Upper Deck, there’s now an added dimension of anticipation as he steps into professional hockey. Whether you’re a seasoned collector on the hunt for the crown jewel of your collection or just a fan of the game drawn to its future stars, Schaefer’s cardboard debut is one to watch. Who knows? Maybe one day, those cards bearing the young prodigy’s image will become the stuff of legend themselves, akin to those treasured by collectors since time immemorial. Upper Deck’s latest coup ensures Schaefer’s cardboard dreams will not just skate by unnoticed—they’re going to be the talk of the penalty box and beyond.