In the world of hockey, prospects are like shooting stars blazing across the ice. They promise the brilliance of future NHL highlights and the thrill of collectibles that will become treasured mementos of a burgeoning career. And in this fiercely competitive galaxy of young talent, Matthew Schaefer has signed his own piece of the astrological map: an exclusive, multi-year agreement with none other than Upper Deck. Just ahead of the much-anticipated 2025 NHL Draft, the 17-year-old defenseman has committed to having his rookie cards and autographed memorabilia under the watchful curation of the trading card behemoth.

Why does this matter? Well, if you had ambitions of scoring a rookie card featuring the soon-to-be NHL standout, bearing his autograph—or perhaps a jersey with his youthful, wavy signature—you’ll need to line up at Upper Deck’s digital door. They land the exclusive rights to produce Schaefer-themed items, creating a new echelon of excitement for hockey fans and trading card aficionados alike.

A top-tier prospect in the upcoming draft, Schaefer’s potential to go number one is all but sealed in ice. This signing is something of a magical moment for him, completing a nostalgic loop in his young life. He fondly remembered days spent sprawled on the carpet, surrounded by packs of cards—only now, he’s stepping into those packs himself. This journey from collector to collectible, more impressive than any slapshot, is not a bad feat for someone who isn’t even old enough to hire an automobile.

Jason Masherah, president of Upper Deck, didn’t hold back his enthusiasm regarding the new collaboration. Describing Schaefer as “undeniably one of the most promising young talents in hockey today,” Masherah spoke with the confidence of someone who certainly has the first set of Young Guns cards simmering on the creative backburner, just waiting for their debut moment.

Schaefer’s star has been rising long before taking this leap into an exclusive agreement. Despite injury setbacks, his lights-out performance for the Erie Otters, registering 22 points in just 17 games, underscored his prowess on the ice. Drafted first overall in the 2023 OHL Draft, his skills have only amplified in reverberation across the sport. Broadening from regional to global acclaim, Schaefer has already helped festoon Team Canada’s legacy with more gold—adding medals from the U17 World Challenge and the U18 Worlds to his nascent career’s trophy cabinet.

The implications of Schaefer’s deal with Upper Deck filter down to collectors, who are predicted to clamor for his signed gear. Pucks, jerseys, and striking printed memorabilia are scheduled to populate Upper Deck’s online aisles by the end of the month. And for fans who are breathlessly sketching out space for his trading cards, their anticipation will be rewarded once Schaefer transitions into the NHL.

The context of this announcement is moreover framed by the looming date of the 2025 NHL Draft, set under the glittering lights of Los Angeles at L.A. Live’s Peacock Theater. On June 27th and 28th, the draft will symbolically align Matthew Schaefer’s fate with the history of a thousand hockey icons before him. As the young player prepares to transform into a professional athlete under the international spotlight, Upper Deck will be diligently engineering his ascent into a star on their firing presses.

What remains to be seen is how this momentous deal will play into the earnings and brand name of both parties. Schaefer’s deal, now woven into the tapestry of Upper Deck’s brand story, underscores the evolving narrative of sports merchandizing—a blend of athletic success, market savvy, and the age-old craft of turning potential into collectible currency. For Upper Deck, one of the titans of trading cards and sports memorabilia, the inclusion of an athlete like Matthew Schaefer means more than just a new series of cards. It’s part marker of prestige, part investment in future brilliance, and wholly a celebration of the game’s evolving legends.

Whether you’re a die-hard hockey enthusiast, an everyday collector, or someone just curious about the buzz in both sports and memorabilia markets, this exclusive deal invites everyone to watch as Schaefer’s name rises in glittering fonts on the glossy stock of Upper Deck’s finest. Now, it’s not just about the draft or the next game—there’s an excitement that swirls around what happens off the ice, connecting collectors with their heroes, one rare card at a time.

Matthew Schaefer Upper Deck Exclusive