In the enthralling world of sports memorabilia, a new sensation has emerged—Matthew Schaefer, an NHL prospect poised to ignite the ice come the 2025 NHL Draft, has signed an exclusive multi-year agreement with Upper Deck. This deal ensures that if you’re a fan hoping to add Schaefer’s rookie card or perhaps some chic autographed memorabilia to your collection, you’ll need to look no further than Upper Deck’s catalog. They’ve nabbed the exclusive rights, carving their monopoly in the realm of Schaefer merchandise.
Who exactly is Matthew Schaefer, you ask? Only a 17-year-old defenseman who is projected to go first overall in the forthcoming NHL Draft. He’s having something of a dream come true, confessing, “It’s pretty special,” as he reminisced about his youthful days spent with family, eagerly cracking packs and organizing cards. Fast forward, and he’s about to be immortalized in those very packs. Not too shabby for someone who still needs a parent to co-sign his rental car agreement.
Upper Deck, naturally, is just as excited. Jason Masherah, the president of the company, sang praises for Schaefer, describing him as “undeniably one of the most promising young talents in hockey today.” You can bet that somewhere in the reaches of Upper Deck HQ, they’ve got the Young Guns template poised and ready for action.
Schaefer’s performance on the ice is enough to send any hockey enthusiast into a frenzy. Playing for the Erie Otters, he clocked an impressive 22 points in just 17 games this season, managing this feat even while wrestling with injuries. His talent was recognized early on, as he was the first overall pick in the 2023 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Draft. Which is quite the accomplishment for a defensive player. On the international stage, Schaefer has already secured his fair share of accolades, sporting a couple of gold medals from both the U17 World Challenge and the U18 Worlds with Team Canada. A bright shining star indeed.
The buzz among collectors is palpable as they won’t have to be left waiting in the wings for long. Schaefer’s signed pucks, jerseys, and prints are anticipated to grace the virtual shelves of Upper Deck’s online store by month’s end. Meanwhile, the first official trading cards will be released after he officially makes his appearance in the NHL. Time to make some space in those card binders.
All eyes will be trained on the 2025 NHL Draft events set for June 27–28 at L.A. Live’s Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Anticipation is building as Schaefer readies himself for the spotlight that beckons. With Upper Deck now capturing his essence in cardboard form, Schaefer’s presence looms large not just on the ice but also in the world of collectibles.
This deal exemplifies a new chapter in trading card and sports memorabilia history, with Upper Deck setting its sights on securing young and promising talents. With this exclusive partnership with Schaefer, Upper Deck continues to dominate the market, ensuring collectors that they provide the unique and authentic pieces of the sports world’s future legends.
For young Schaefer, it’s a significant milestone early in his young career—a validation of his talent and potential. For fans and collectors, it’s the chance to own a piece of what’s likely to be an illustrious career cut short only by the size of one’s sports room or photo album. As Schaefer embarks on what promises to be an exciting professional journey, there’s no denying his achievements so far have already made him a notable name in hockey circles, sparking a fervor that can only grow as the NHL Draft looms closer. It seems both the hockey world and the realm of collectors are about to meet their newest star, and Upper Deck has aptly secured his essence on cardstock—a sweet spot hit inside the good old rectangular arena of trading cards.
