Trading cards just got a little more exciting for hockey enthusiasts as Upper Deck, the vaunted card maker that has long been synonymous with sports memorabilia, sealed an exclusive deal with Matthew Schaefer. This 17-year-old prospect, poised to take on the NHL in the upcoming 2025 Draft, isn’t just any player; he’s the coveted defenseman expected to be picked first overall. As Schaefer joins the ranks of Upper Deck’s illustrious roster of legends and rising stars, fans keen on collecting his rookie card or other signed items can only procure them through Upper Deck’s monopoly on his brand.
In what appears to be a beautiful twist of fate, this deal has brought Schaefer’s childhood full circle. Recalling his youthful days spent sifting through packs of cards with his family, Schaefer now finds himself becoming the face behind those collectible packs. It’s a feather in the cap for someone who isn’t even legally eligible to rent a car yet. “It’s pretty special,” the young defenseman remarked, embracing the excitement of his new journey.
Upper Deck, on their part, is riding a wave of enthusiasm. Jason Masherah, the company’s president, praised Schaefer’s talent, touting him as one of the most promising young athletes in hockey. In a nod to their readiness, one can almost imagine the company already having a template prepared for Schaefer’s much-anticipated Young Guns card.
Schaefer’s credentials certainly warrant the fanfare. As the Erie Otters’ standout, he garnered an impressive 22 points over 17 games this season, a solid feat even as he overcame injuries. His prowess on the ice was first recognized when he was the team’s top pick in the 2023 OHL Draft. On the international stage, Schaefer also made his mark, bringing home gold medals for Team Canada at the U17 World Challenge and the U18 Worlds. For him, such achievements have become the norm rather than the exception.
For collectors eagerly waiting to get Schaefer merchandise, the wait will be mercifully short. Upper Deck has announced that autographed pucks, jerseys, and prints featuring Schaefer will be available on their online store by the month’s end. Meanwhile, aficionados coveting Schaefer’s trading cards will have to hold on until he officially makes his NHL debut—plenty of time to prepare a prime spot in their collections.
As for the 2025 NHL Draft, it’s set to be a spectacle, taking place on June 27–28 at the Peacock Theater in L.A. Live, Los Angeles. With Schaefer expected to be the star of the event, all eyes will undoubtedly be on him. His journey into the NHL spotlight is imminent, and thanks to Upper Deck, so is his stature in the world of collectible trading cards. With his rise to fame mirrored both in the rink and amongst fans, Matthew Schaefer’s narrative on cardboard will begin to unfold, promising collectors a piece of sporting history.
The buzz surrounding Upper Deck’s newest exclusive relationship perfectly underscores how sports memorabilia continues to weave its way into modern fandom culture. As Schaefer stands at the brink of a promising career, both on ice and in collectibles, the excitement sparked by this announcement is palpable—and surely, a win for both Schaefer and the legions of hockey card admirers eager to share this journey alongside him.
