Upper Deck Launches NHL Rookie Debut Jersey Card Program!
Upper Deck has announced a major new initiative for hockey collectors, introducing the NHL Rookie Debut Jersey Program, a premium addition that brings authentic game-worn history directly into trading cards.
Through a new agreement with the NHL, Upper Deck will acquire full game-worn jerseys from players’ NHL debut games, using material from those jerseys to create highly collectible card inserts. This marks a significant upgrade in authenticity and storytelling for rookie memorabilia cards.
Game-Worn Jerseys from Debut Night
Unlike traditional memorabilia programs, Upper Deck is securing entire jerseys worn during a rookie’s first NHL game, allowing more material to be used across multiple cards while preserving a direct link to one of the most important moments in a player’s career.
The first Rookie Debut Jersey cards will appear in 2025–26 Upper Deck Extended Series, scheduled for release in summer 2025.
Three Versions of Debut Jersey Cards
Each rookie debut jersey will be featured in three distinct versions, catering to different levels of collectors:
- Debut Game Jersey
- Debut Game Jersey Autographs
- Debut Game Jersey Autograph Black Variations
The autographed versions will be serial-numbered to match the player’s jersey number, adding an extra layer of personalization and rarity. The Black Variations will be true 1-of-1 cards, featuring premium elements such as prime patches or fight strap tags, making them some of the most desirable rookie hits in modern hockey collecting.
Featured Rookies in the Program
The debut class includes several highly regarded young talents, such as Matthew Schaefer, Michael Misa, Beckett Sennecke, Brady Martin, Isaac Howard, Sam Dickinson, and Easton Cowan, among others.
A Big Step Forward for Hockey Collecting
This program reinforces Upper Deck’s commitment to innovation and authenticity in hockey cards. By tying memorabilia directly to a player’s debut game, the Rookie Debut Jersey Program elevates rookie cards into true historical artifacts.
At Trace ’n Chase, we’ll be watching this release closely as one of the most exciting hockey developments of the upcoming season. Stay tuned for availability, breaks, and more updates from the hobby.
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