Matthew Schaefer, the expected top overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft on June 27, has signed an exclusive trading card and memorabilia deal with Upper Deck, the company announced Thursday.
The 17-year-old defenseman was previously the first pick in the 2023 OHL Draft to the Erie Otters, where he climbed up draft boards thanks to strong play in juniors.
Schaefer logged 22 points, seven goals and 15 assists over 17 games this past season for the Otters.
“I’m proud to embark on my professional career on the ice as Upper Deck’s newest exclusive athlete,” Schaefer said in a statement. “I am truly flattered to be joining some of hockey’s greats at this stage, as I fondly remember collecting hockey cards and memorabilia with my mom, dad, and brother at a young age. I’m really looking forward to connecting with my fans and the sport through this special collaboration.”
The New York Islanders won the draft lottery and hold the rights to the first pick.
“Matthew Schaefer is undeniably one of the most promising young talents in hockey today. I’m eager to watch his professional journey unfold, and as a company, we’re honored to be a part of it,” Upper Deck president Jason Masherah said in a statement. “We’re excited to capture Schaefer’s most memorable on-ice moments through a thoughtfully curated collection of trading cards, memorabilia, and collectibles for his fans as he begins his NHL career.”
Upper Deck has become on of the leading brands in the collectible hockey space, owning a long-term exclusive trading card deal with the NHL and NHLPA and holding deals with many of the league’s top stars, both current and former, including Wayne Gretzky and Connor McDavid.
Upper Deck also signed last year’s top pick, Macklin Celebrini.
Will Stern is a reporter and editor for cllct, the premier company for collectible content.