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Trading cards just got a little more buzzworthy—especially for hockey fans. Upper Deck has locked in top NHL prospect Matthew Schaefer with an exclusive multi-year agreement, just ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft. The 17-year-old defenseman will now join the card giant’s elite stable of future stars and legends.

What does that mean? If you’re hoping to snag a Matthew Schaefer rookie card or some slick autographed merch, Upper Deck’s got the monopoly. Literally.

Schaefer, who’s expected to go No. 1 overall in next year’s draft, is having something of a full-circle moment. “It’s pretty special,” he said, recalling days spent cracking packs and sorting cards with his family. Now he’s the one going into the packs. Not bad for a kid who’s not even old enough to rent a car.

Upper Deck seems just as thrilled. “Matthew Schaefer is undeniably one of the most promising young talents in hockey today,” said company president Jason Masherah, who probably already has the Young Guns template prepped and ready to go.

The Erie Otters standout put up 22 points in 17 games this season—despite battling injuries—and was the team’s first overall pick in the 2023 OHL Draft. Not too shabby for a blueliner. Oh, and internationally? Just a couple of gold medals for Team Canada at the U17 World Challenge and the U18 Worlds. You know, the usual.

Collectors won’t have to wait long to get their hands on Schaefer gear. Signed pucks, jerseys, and prints are expected to hit the Upper Deck online store by month’s end. His first official trading cards will drop after he hits the NHL—so clear some space in your binders.

As for the 2025 NHL Draft? That goes down June 27–28 at L.A. Live’s Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Schaefer’s ready for the spotlight—and now, thanks to Upper Deck, so is his cardboard.