Trading cards have always held a special allure. Whether it’s the thrill of the chase or the prestige of owning a rare gem, they capture moments, both on and off the ice, encapsulating a piece of sporting history in palm-sized cardboard wonders. And now, for hockey aficionados, the excitement is building to fever pitch with the announcement that top NHL prospect Matthew Schaefer has secured an exclusive multi-year deal with Upper Deck.
At just 17 years old, Schaefer has already become the player every scout, fan, and collector is watching like a hawk. Expected to be snapped up as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, this young defenseman has already carved out a remarkable presence in the world of hockey. As he takes a significant step closer to the NHL, he’s joining the ranks of Upper Deck’s elite lineup of future stars and timeless legends, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with hockey greats immortalized in trading card form.
This isn’t just a simple business transaction; it’s virtually a rite of passage in the world of professional ice hockey. With this new partnership, Schaefer’s status is further solidified, his name now synonymous with the anticipation of burgeoning greatness. And for collectors, it means that snagging a Matthew Schaefer rookie card, or any other autographed memorabilia, will be a pursuit of both unique exclusivity and hockey history.
Schaefer himself couldn’t be more thrilled about this development, having grown up in a family of card collectors. “It’s pretty special,” he commented, as he recollected the countless hours spent sifting through packs with loved ones, arranging them into neat collections. Who would have thought that this young man, who isn’t quite old enough to drive a rental car, would become hockey royalty within the confines of those collectible packs he cherished?
Echoing Schaefer’s enthusiasm is Jason Masherah, the president of Upper Deck, who seems beyond excited about the deal. “Matthew Schaefer is undeniably one of the most promising young talents in hockey today,” he announced enthusiastically, likely already envisioning the cool, dynamic poses that Schaefer’s rookie card will display. Masherah’s desk might even have a dedicated spot for Schaefer’s potential ‘Young Guns’ series card, a coveted title for rookie card collectors.
Let’s not forget the dazzling performance that brought Schaefer into the spotlight. As a standout for the Erie Otters, he racked up an impressive 22 points in just 17 games this season, despite the ever-present hurdle of injuries. It’s not so easily that a defenseman can command such presence on the score sheets. In the 2023 OHL Draft, he was their first overall pick, a testament to his undeniable impact on the ice.
On international arenas, Schaefer has also made his mark, pocketing gold medals for Team Canada in the U17 World Challenge and the U18 Worlds. It’s all in a day’s work for a young man rapidly making his way up the tapes of hockey history.
For those itching to own a piece of Schaefer memorabilia, the wait won’t be long. Signed pucks, jerseys, and limited edition prints are slated to hit the Upper Deck online store by the end of the month. And as he sets foot in the NHL, his first official trading cards will soon follow—an invitation to collectors everywhere to make some room in their binders.
The much-anticipated 2025 NHL Draft is scheduled for June 27–28 at L.A. Live’s illustrious Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, a date that could very well change the trajectory of Schaefer’s career. As he prepares for what promises to be a shining moment under the glaring spotlights, his journey alongside Upper Deck ensures that his paperboard persona is equally poised for the clamor of adulation.
In a world where the simplest pleasures don the guise of glossy cards, each collection serves as a time capsule, capturing youth, promise, and unparalleled skill. With Matthew Schaefer entering this cherished realm, hockey fans and collectors alike can commence their own journey, one card at a time, as they welcome a promising new chapter filled with anticipation and exuberant glee.
