Amid the frenetic pace of the hockey world, where skates cut the ice faster than a puck does, a new star’s rise to fame gets another boost. Trading card giant Upper Deck has successfully sealed an exclusive multi-year deal with none other than top NHL prospect, Matthew Schaefer. The timing is impeccable, arriving just before the highly anticipated 2025 NHL Draft, making Schaefer’s journey even more tantalizing for fans and collectors alike.
Hockey aficionados often have a penchant for nostalgia, cherishing those moments of ripping open fresh packs of cards to discover newfound treasures within. Thanks to Upper Deck, those fans have something special to look forward to—Schaefer’s rookie cards, exclusive autographs, and an array of slick merchandise. With this deal, Upper Deck gains a monopoly on Schaefer’s collectibility, leaving other companies to wistfully gaze from the bench.
At just 17, Matthew Schaefer has carved a niche for himself on and off the ice—a trajectory not entirely unexpected for someone pegged to go first overall in the upcoming draft. The young defenseman fondly recalls his own youthful endeavors, collecting cards with his family. “It’s pretty special,” he muses, reflecting on the full-circle nature of now being the star appearing in those shiny packs. It’s a realization that would make even the most seasoned veteran pause and smile.
Upper Deck is no stranger to harnessing promising talent, and its enthusiasm for Matthew Schaefer is barely containable. Company president Jason Masherah has confidently declared Schaefer as one of the most promising talents in hockey today, flashing a hint of excitement that suggests the Young Guns template is prepped and eagerly waiting.
For those who follow Schaefer’s journey closer than a puck’s trajectory, his accolades speak volumes. A standout with the Erie Otters, he tallied 22 points in just 17 games this season, an impressive feat despite contending with injuries. Schaefer’s impact isn’t restricted to just domestic ice—his shelf already gleams with a collection of gold medals from Team Canada’s triumphant performances at both the U17 World Challenge and the U18 Worlds. The casual mention of these feats belies the immense dedication and talent Schaefer possesses.
The anticipation around Schaefer isn’t just for his on-ice prowess; collectors and fans alike are equally excited about the tangible memorabilia that will soon grace their collections. Signed pucks, jerseys, and prints are already slated for release on Upper Deck’s online platform, ensuring collectors can start their Schaefer showcase well before his official NHL debut. The rookie cards, believed by many to be future cornerstones of collections, are on the horizon and likely to be the crown jewels of any collector’s binder.
The hype doesn’t surpass reality; it merely matches the stellar potential seen in Schaefer as he nears a significant milestone—the 2025 NHL Draft. Happening on June 27–28 at the vibrant locale of L.A. Live’s Peacock Theater, this year’s draft promises more thrill than a hat-trick. Schaefer, commanding a poised presence, is more than ready to step into the NHL spotlight. Thanks to Upper Deck, not only will his on-ice exploits be watched, but his likeness on cardboard will be revered—an embodiment of dreams for collectors.
As the hockey community eagerly counts down to the draft and fans await the first glimpse of Schaefer in official NHL action, Upper Deck has already positioned itself to ride the wave of excitement. With Matthew Schaefer’s stardom taking flight on both the rink and in the realm of collectibles, the narrative of “from packs to plaques” is one we look forward to witnessing in full. For those lacing that first skate, keeping an eye on Schaefer is like following a leading star—one destined to illuminate the game’s future and the hearts of collectors worldwide. And so, the story of Matthew Schaefer chisels a new chapter, one card at a time.
