Trading cards just leveled up with the exciting announcement that Upper Deck, the iconic trading card company, has snagged top NHL prospect Matthew Schaefer in an exclusive multi-year deal. For hockey aficionados and collectors keen on capturing the next big thing, Schaefer is the name to know. This promising 17-year-old defenseman is making waves not just on the ice but also in the collectables community.
As Schaefer finds himself on the cusp of the 2025 NHL Draft, pegged as a potential number-one pick, Upper Deck has cemented its strategic foresight in securing such a talent. To those in the know, acquiring Schaefer right before he potentially goes first overall is a shrewd move akin to a perfect hat trick—sharp, calculated, and downright thrilling.
So why is this partnership a big deal, you ask? For starters, if you’re eyeing a rookie card or aiming to boast an autographed piece of Schaefer merchandise, Upper Deck is your exclusive purveyor. Monopoly isn’t just a board game in this context; it’s Upper Deck’s territory when it comes to anything Schaefer. Consider your forthcoming collection endeavors exclusively catered by these trading card maestros.
The young Canadian’s enthusiasm is palpable: “It’s pretty special,” Schaefer commented, reflecting on his childhood fascination with card packs that he used to relentlessly sort and trade with his family. Now, the tables have turned, and he’s the star card people will be hunting for—something not many recent high school graduates can boast.
Upper Deck is equally thrilled to welcome him aboard. Company president Jason Masherah couldn’t be more enthused about their newest addition, touting Schaefer as “undeniably one of the most promising young talents in hockey today.” It’s a feather in their cap to secure a player with such a gleaming trajectory, affirming Upper Deck’s knack for spotting and nabbing emerging legends.
Schaefer currently shines with the Erie Otters, where he’s showcased a formidable skill set despite some injury setbacks, racking up 22 points over 17 games. Not one to rest on just team performance, his international credentials are similarly impressive; he’s bagged gold medals twice for Team Canada at the U17 World Challenge and the U18 Worlds, further bolstering his reputation as a heavyweight contender on the ice.
Collectors won’t have to hold their breath much longer to celebrate this exclusive deal. Schaefer-signed pucks, jerseys, and prints are set to hit Upper Deck’s virtual shelves by the end of the month. As for those eagerly anticipated trading cards, they’re slated to be unveiled once Schaefer steps onto the NHL stage—so you might want to start clearing some prime real estate in your trading card binder.
It’s hard to not get swept up in thinking about the 2025 NHL Draft, especially with all eyes set for the event at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater at L.A. Live on June 27-28. As Schaefer prepares to embrace the NHL spotlight, Upper Deck ensures that his star power transitions smoothly onto the glossy, collectable squares that fans adore.
As history’s demonstrated—both in sport and trading industry—such exclusive partnerships often foreshadow remarkable careers. Whether Schaefer will compose an illustrious tale on the ice is yet to be written in full, but one thing’s certain: his cardboard future is in excellent hands with Upper Deck. Trading card fanatics, hold onto your mint condition hat. Schaefer’s coming, and you won’t want to miss it.
