In a move that has collectors anticipating the next big thing in hockey trading cards, 17-year-old Matthew Schaefer, a top NHL prospect, has inked an exclusive multi-year deal with Upper Deck. This collaboration, announced as the buzz surrounding the 2025 NHL Draft intensifies, adds another chapter to Upper Deck’s legacy of spotlighting future stars, ensuring Schaefer’s image becomes an iconic part of trading card collections worldwide.
The young defenseman, who is widely tipped to be the No.1 overall pick in next year’s draft, finds himself amid a nostalgic yet exciting journey. Schaefer’s family tradition of avidly collecting and sorting through packs of cards now comes full circle, as he prepares to be immortalized within them. “It’s pretty special,” Schaefer modestly remarked, likely envisioning those future packs in which he’ll no longer be just a collector but a prized collectible himself. Not a small feat, especially for someone who’s yet to receive full adult privileges like renting a car.
His partnership with Upper Deck means that if you’re hoping to secure a Matthew Schaefer rookie card or any autographed merchandise, you’ll have to go through this trading card titan. They’ve effectively cornered the market on Schaefer memorabilia, making them the exclusive source. As the gatekeepers to Schaefer’s burgeoning fame, Upper Deck seems to have already laid out a red carpet featuring colorfully laminated paper.
Jason Masherah, the president of Upper Deck, expressed his excitement plainly: “Matthew Schaefer is undeniably one of the most promising young talents in hockey today.” It’s safe to assume that Masherah and his team have already designed what would soon become the highly sought-after “Young Guns” card, awaiting a slot in trading card history.
Schaefer’s stats add glitter to his glowing reputation. This season, playing for the Erie Otters, he amassed an impressive 22 points across 17 games. And that was season work while managing injuries. Go figure. His prowess doesn’t just shine domestically. Representing Canada, Schaefer has already decorated his young career with gold—two medals, to be precise, from the U17 World Challenge and U18 Worlds, marking him as a proven winner on both national and international ice.
Collectors have good reasons to be thrilled, as they won’t have to wait indefinitely to snag Schaefer-related goodies. By the end of this month, autographed pucks, jerseys, and even limited edition prints are expected to surface on the Upper Deck online store. Of course, the centerpiece of this collection, his official trading cards, will be gracing displays shortly after he steps onto an NHL rink. So, seasoned collectors may want to start strategizing and making room in their binders for what promises to be a gem.
As for the 2025 NHL Draft—it’s poised to be a grand affair set at the lavish Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on June 27–28. Schaefer seems ready for this spotlight moment, primed to take center stage in a venue that echoes with echoes of Hollywood prestige. The hockey world awaits eagerly, and with Upper Deck’s spotlight firmly upon him, Schaefer’s heroics will soon transition from the rink to trading card folklore. Here’s to hoping his cardboard cutout sticks the landing as beautifully as his on-ice maneuvers.
