When it comes to the thrill of hockey collectibles, young NHL hopeful Matthew Schaefer is on the verge of becoming a household name, at least in the dens of avid card collectors. The buzz around hockey’s up-and-coming phenom just escalated significantly with the announcement of his exclusive multi-year partnership with the renowned trading card company, Upper Deck. This freshly minted deal comes just in time to capitalize on the anticipation of the 2025 NHL Draft, where Schaefer is projected to be the No. 1 overall pick—a position that beams with pressure and promise.
Picture this: a burgeoning star in hockey, just 17 years of age, now immortalized in glossy cardboard, thanks to Upper Deck. For collectors, there’s nothing quite like the chase of owning a rookie card that could turn out to be the Mona Lisa of hockey memorabilia. Upper Deck has effectively cornered the market on all things Matthew Schaefer, guaranteeing that if you’re itching to get your hands on a Schaefer rookie card or any exclusive autograph memorabilia, Upper Deck will be your sole source.
For Schaefer, signing with Upper Deck is somewhat of a dream realized—a surreal twist of fate akin to those childhood afternoons spent rummaging through card packs with family, unbeknownst to the idea that one day, his own image might be one of those sought-after treasures. Now, he’s about to be the face fans eagerly search for, nestling among the ranks of their prized collections.
Upper Deck’s excitement mirrors that of the star himself. The company’s president, Jason Masherah, resonated with infectious enthusiasm, likening Schaefer to one of the most promising young stars in hockey, ready to adorn the firm’s arsenal of Young Guns cards—a series celebrated among collectors for its representation of rising talent.
Schaefer, until recently, has steadily been building his resume in a vivid display of his potential. Already a standout player with the Erie Otters, he delivered an impressive 22 points over 17 games in the current season, a feat especially commendable considering he played through injuries. The Otters recognized this potential early on, having made Schaefer their first overall pick in the 2023 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Draft.
But it’s not just at home where Schaefer shines. On the international hockey stage, he’s already glittered with gold—twice. First, he contributed to Team Canada’s victorious ventures at the U17 World Challenge, followed by a commanding presence at the U18 Worlds. Clearly, Schaefer is no stranger to the winning mentality and the pressures that accompany such a path.
Collectors won’t be left salivating for long. The forthcoming merchandise from his collaboration with Upper Deck promises to be as impressive as his game on the ice. Fans and collectors can expect an array of signed pucks, jerseys, and prints to be available on the Upper Deck online store imminently. As for his first official NHL trading cards, they’ll launch once Schaefer graces the big leagues, presenting enthusiasts with an enticing reason to dust off some binder space in anticipation.
As the countdown to the 2025 NHL Draft ticks on, hockey followers and the sports memorabilia community will eagerly pivot their attention to the star-studded stage set for June 27-28 at Los Angeles’ iconic L.A. Live’s Peacock Theater. It’s here that Schaefer’s journey to NHL stardom will become official, and concurrently, where his Upper Deck card collections will begin their historical stories in homes around the world.
This unique blending of potential athletic greatness with the nostalgia-induced thrill of trading card collecting crafts a narrative that’s both heartwarming and excitingly hopeful. Certainly, for Matthew Schaefer, the ice is not just a place to shine but a launching pad to larger-than-life status, beginning with a simple slip of cardboard that will continue to gain value both sentimentally and materially. Here’s to the next chapter in what promises to be an illustrious career—both on the ice and in the hands of collectors.
