Trading card collectors and hockey enthusiasts alike have reason to buzz with excitement. Top NHL prospect Matthew Schaefer, a name that has been echoing in hockey circles for some time now, just took a significant stride into the limelight by signing an exclusive multi-year deal with trading card titan Upper Deck. This strategic alliance comes as Schaefer stands poised to enter the 2025 NHL Draft, where he is anticipated to be the No. 1 overall pick. At just 17 years of age, this young defenseman is carving out his own space in the realm of collectibles, one signed puck at a time.
For those with a high score in “keeping up with hockey prospects,” this news is akin to unlocking a rare card in a pack—riveting and rewarding. With Upper Deck securing rights to Schaefer’s memorabilia, anyone looking to complete their collection with his rookie card will have to pivot directly towards Upper Deck’s offerings. The exclusivity arrangement means that Schaefer’s autographed merchandise, including jerseys and prints, will be monopolized by one very thrilled company, effectively making Upper Deck the sole purveyor of Schaefer artifacts.
Schaefer himself shares a nostalgic sense of wonder about the journey from fan to feature. In recounting tales of his youth filled with sorting trading cards—a ritual many sports aficionados know well—he expressed a full-circle moment. “It’s pretty special,” Schaefer reflects, marveling at the thought of his likeness now being immortalized in collectible card packs. Quite an impressive feat for someone just shy of his eighteenth birthday—and leagues away from mundane milestones like renting a vehicle.
On the side of Upper Deck, enthusiasm is high, and rightly so. “Matthew Schaefer is undeniably one of the most promising young talents in hockey today,” proclaimed Upper Deck president Jason Masherah, presumably already envisioning the addition of Schaefer to the array of iconic players under the Upper Deck Young Guns collection. This deal not only heralds an exciting chapter for Schaefer but also amplifies Upper Deck’s prestige as a premier trading card producer that consistently clinches top-level talent.
Schaefer’s credentials backing this exclusive deal are indeed impressive. His performance with the Erie Otters this season saw him tally up 22 points in just 17 games, even while grappling with injuries. Having been the Erie Otters’ first overall pick in the 2023 OHL Draft, Schaefer is proving to be a formidable force on the ice. His prowess extends to grander stages as well, with his collection of medals showcasing his contributions to Canada’s U17 and U18 national teams at the World Challenge and Worlds, respectively.
Upper Deck has wasted no time in capitalizing on Schaefer’s signing. Merchandise emblazoned with his signature will grace their online store by the end of this month. Fans rushing to acquire Schaefer memorabilia can anticipate the first official trading card release concurrent with his NHL debut. A heads-up for collectors – perhaps it’s time to clear out that old binder stuffed with more mundane finds and make room for a Schaefer card or two.
As for Schaefer’s inevitable NHL Draft spotlight moment, the itinerary is set. On June 27-28, 2025, the eyes of the hockey world will converge upon the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles. Amid the anticipation and media flurry, Schaefer will step into the professional arena, his future ripe with promise and potential. Upper Deck has ensured that this star, now not just on the ice but also on cardboard, will be celebrated by fans worldwide.
In sealing this deal, Schaefer and Upper Deck collectively cement a legacy that extends beyond thrilling games and memorable plays. It’s a venture into the realm of passion, nostalgia, and time-honored traditions associated with trading card collecting. As the days to the draft countdown, both the virtual shelves of Upper Deck and the hearts of hockey fans will eagerly await the arrival of Schaefer merchandise. Here’s to the collectibles of tomorrow and the legends they continue to inspire.