In a move that has the hockey world buzzing with anticipation, Upper Deck has secured a multi-year exclusive agreement with Matthew Schaefer, the top prospect expected to be the star pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Known for his extraordinary skills on the ice, the 17-year-old defenseman is now set to grace the coveted Upper Deck trading card lineup, joining a prestigious list of hockey legends and future stars.
For those unfamiliar with the commotion that surrounds sports collectibles, landing an exclusive deal with a major trading card company like Upper Deck is akin to striking gold. Aspiring collectors and hockey enthusiasts alike now have a single destination for all things Matthew Schaefer memorabilia. From rookie cards to signed jerseys, it’s an exclusive lineup, and Upper Deck holds the keys.
Matthew Schaefer’s journey to becoming a cardboard hero is as much a nostalgic tale as it is a modern sports story. Reflecting on his youth, Schaefer remembers being the young lad eagerly beefing up his stash of cards, wide-eyed with wonder at the legends he held in his hands. Now, he’s poised to be immortalized in similar reverence, a cycle of sports adoration complete as he becomes the face going into those packs, ready to inspire the next generation of hopefuls.
While Schaefer dons the defenseman’s jersey for the Erie Otters, his reputation extends far beyond his team endeavors. Despite facing some injuries, he’s racked an impressive 22 points over 17 games this season—stellar numbers, in case you’re wondering. Such performance is backed by accolades that include being the first overall pick in the 2023 OHL Draft, demonstrating that success and promise have already clasped hands firmly for Schaefer.
Beyond the rink, his international feats are just as impressive. Proudly wearing Canada’s red and white, Schaefer helped his teams clinch gold at both the U17 World Challenge and the U18 Worlds, amassing admiration not just on a national level, but internationally too.
Upper Deck’s president, Jason Masherah, wasn’t shy in sharing their excitement about adding Schaefer to their roster. Describing him as “undeniably one of the most promising young talents in hockey today,” Masherah has essentially just fast-tracked Schaefer into the hallowed halls of collectible fame. The thought of fresh “Young Guns” cards practically teases the edges of anticipation for collectors worldwide, as they prepare to add yet another marvel to their treasure troves.
Fans who have been eagerly watching Schaefer’s career trajectory now have another avenue to express their fanaticism, with signed pucks, jerseys, and prints coming to Upper Deck’s online shelves by the end of this month. So if your sports memorabilia shelf seems a bit underwhelming, this could be the perfect opportunity to upgrade.
But perhaps the real crescendo of this saga will be composed at the 2025 NHL Draft, which is set to illuminate the glitz and glamour of the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles come June 27–28. Eyes will be fixated on whether Schaefer, predicted to secure that No. 1 spot, will meet expectations as he steps into the spotlight. Upper Deck has already rolled out the red carpet in terms of trading card fame, but the draft promises to be Schaefer’s crowning moment—a celebration of his ascent and a launchpad into a hopeful future.
As things stand, Schaefer’s youthful days of cracking open card packs with familial delight have found their narrative echo, with a new chapter wherein he’ll no longer be the boy opening the packs but rather the one whose face kids across the globe will eagerly hunt. Each sealed packet represents adventure, possibility, and the perpetual thrill of adding new stories to a collection.
Is this the turning point in Schaefer’s career that launches him into worldwide recognition? The stage is certainly set, as Upper Deck’s exclusive deal ensures that their newest signee doesn’t just climb onto the rink, but into the annals of collectible lore, one card at a time.
