The landscape of sports memorabilia is getting a frosty shake-up as Topps, the iconic trading card company, reintroduces itself to the world of hockey after a hiatus that’s spanned nearly twenty years. This isn’t just any comeback; it’s a creative reimagining of what hockey collectibles might look like when viewed through a modern lens. For die-hard puckheads who’ve missed the thrill of ripping open a fresh pack of Topps hockey cards, this news offers a glimmer of hope and a dash of excitement—albeit with a twist more akin to a penalty shot than a breakaway goal.
For those who may have forgotten, let’s quickly recap: Topps has been off the ice since the 2003-04 season, when rival Upper Deck scooped up exclusive rights to the NHL trading card license. The absence of Topps left an undeniable void in the world of hockey trading cards, creating a nostalgic ache among collectors who cherished the brand’s traditional and imaginative designs. Upper Deck has certainly dominated the rink ever since, but absence has only made the collector’s heart grow fonder, always yearning for Topps’ triumphant skate back onto the ice.
Fast forward to April 3, and finally, that longing is about to be addressed—though perhaps not in the way fans might have envisioned. Enter ‘Topps Under Wraps: Emanate 2024-25,’ the new offering from Fanatics, which now owns Topps. It’s a concept that challenges the traditional trading card format, delivering instead oversized, hand-signed 8×10 photographs designed to evoke the kind of nostalgia that only an old-school Topps card can generate. These aren’t merely photographs; they’re carefully curated homages to the art form that made Topps a household name, complete with meticulous front and back artwork that mirrors vintage trading card aesthetics.
What truly sets Emanate apart, however, is its tribute to authenticity and the art of the collectible. Each photograph is not just a print but a piece of art, individually hand-signed (skipping the now-common sticker autos), serial-numbered, and decked with holograms to certify its authenticity. Ensuring these treasures maintain their collector-grade allure, they are housed in a magnetic, ready-to-display folio case that speaks to their high-end presentation.
The allure of the chase is another hallmark of this release. Topps has stirred the pot by introducing six color variants that collectors can hunt down: gold, orange, blue, red, and the elusive iridescent, limited to just one irresistible piece. Picture the glee of unwrapping an orange variant, knowing there are only 25 like it in existence, or the sheer joy of stumbling across the iridescent one-of-one, a truly singular find in a crowded collectible market.
Those gracing the checklist are a who’s who of NHL royalty and rising stars. From the electric promises of Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini to the white-hot shots of Auston Matthews and Nathan MacKinnon, the prints feature names that, for any self-respecting NHL follower, need little introduction. But the collection isn’t just about present greatness; it’s a nod to legends, too, with figures like Alexander Ovechkin and Mark Messier etched into its lineup, ensuring that collectors can connect the sport’s historic dots with its present and future.
In keeping with the spirit of something bigger and bolder, this collection goes one step further, introducing the concept of multi-signed editions. Imagine landing a triple-signed, inscribed piece by legends Ovechkin, Bedard, and Matthews; it’s akin to a hat trick in collector’s terms—a rare and breathtaking trifecta.
Yet, the pressing question remains: Is Topps officially back in the business of hockey cards? Purists and sticker collectors might quibble about the definitiveness of this “comeback,” given Emanate doesn’t exactly feature packs of cards ready for nail-biting rips and rookie chases. Instead, it signals a toe-dip back into the icy waters of hockey memorabilia—a promising start. With Fanatics steering the ship and with access to some of the industry’s biggest licenses, it’s easy to speculate that this is likely just the beginning.
Topps’ adaptation with Emanate suggests a company cognizant of its cherished past but keen to innovate—a balancing act that could herald a golden era for both nostalgic collectors and newcomers intrigued by this creative twist. So, for those clinging to the hope of Topps’ definitive return, stay warm: the ice is just beginning to crack with possibilities.