Upper Deck is upping its trading card game once again. Having revolutionized the hobby in 1996 with the first-ever jersey patch basketball cards, the company is now introducing a new series of swatches straight from the shirts of this year’s top NHL rookies.
Created in collaboration with the NHL and NHLPA, the Upper Deck Debut Game Jersey Program commemorates rising stars on the rink with pieces of the jerseys they wore during their debut games. Hockey hotshots like Matthew Schaefer, Michael Misa, Beckett Sennecke, Brady Martin, Isaac Howard, and Easton Cowan star in a variety of designs, from autograph cards to ultra-rare one-of-ones. Fans can start their collection this summer as part of Upper Deck’s 2025-26 Extended Series.
Score a piece of the action with these jersey swatch trading cards. | Source: Upper Deck/The Pop Insider
Fans can also collect autographs from their favorite NHL rookies. | Source: Upper Deck/The Pop Insider
The Auto Black Variations feature premium pieces from the game-worn jerseys. | Source: Upper Deck/The Pop Insider
There are three variants of every card to chase, each paying homage to the original 1996-97 UD Game Jersey inserts. The base option pairs the patch with a picture of the player on the ice during their first game. Fans can also collect autographed versions, serial numbered to match their jersey number, as well as the rare, one-of-one Auto Black Variations, which contain a unique swatch or fight strap tag from the jersey. Each collectible also includes a certificate of authenticity, bearing the date of the original matchup.
The Debut Game Jersey Program will launch as part of Upper Deck’s 2025-26 Hockey Extended Series, coming to mass retailers and certified Diamond dealers later this summer. Until then, you can find other score-worthy NHL cards and collectibles now on upperdeck.com.
