Upper Deck, known for its top-notch sports and entertainment collectibles, has made a significant move by announcing an exclusive autograph trading card deal with the young ice hockey prodigy Macklin Celebrini. The announcement comes following Celebrini’s signing with the San Jose Sharks® on July 6 to a three-year, entry-level NHL contract, making him an official part of the professional league. As part of the agreement, Upper Deck will have the sole rights to feature Celebrini’s name, image, likeness, and autograph on various trading cards, including popular brands like the Upper Deck Flagship Series, SP Authentic, and O-Pee-Chee-Platinum.
At just 18 years old, Macklin Celebrini made history by being the number one overall pick by the San Jose Sharks® in the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft™ on June 28. His exceptional college career included winning the prestigious Hobey Baker Award in his freshman year, establishing him as the best college player nationwide. Additionally, Celebrini’s remarkable 2023-24 season saw him sweep accolades such as Hockey East Player of the Year, Hockey East Rookie of the Year, Hockey East Scoring Champion, and the recipient of the Hockey East Three-Stars Award for leading in points during the regular season.
Jason Masherah, President of Upper Deck, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “Macklin Celebrini is a phenomenal talent, and we are delighted to have him join our roster of hockey stars. We are dedicated to providing fans with unparalleled access to their favorite NHL players, and the addition of Celebrini underscores our commitment to showcasing both established legends and rising talents. We take pride in representing him during this pivotal phase of his career and are eager to capture his success on the ice once he makes his debut in the NHL.”
To mark this significant collaboration, fans can kick off their Macklin Celebrini trading card collection on Upper Deck e-Pack® with a limited-edition Game Dated Moments card. This exclusive card will be available until July 25 at 8:59 AM PST, giving fans a chance to own a piece of history early on. Additionally, enthusiasts can anticipate the release of more Celebrini trading card products throughout the upcoming 2024-25 NHL season, allowing them to further celebrate and support the young star’s journey in professional hockey.
