In a world where trading cards have evolved from playground currency to serious investments, Topps’ name is legendary, especially among enthusiasts of baseball, basketball, and yes—once upon a time—ice hockey. Now, after a two-decade-long hiatus, Topps is making a grand, albeit unconventional, return to the hockey collectibles landscape. But before fans start thumbing through their photo albums expecting traditional trading cards, there’s a twist.
April 3 marks the day Fanatics, the corporate behemoth that owns Topps, unveils “Topps Under Wraps: Emanate 2024-25.” Imagine an 8×10 autographed photo that blurs the line between fine art and trading card nostalgia. These are not ordinary photo prints; they are meticulously crafted to capture the essence of the classic trading card aesthetic. Each piece is not just flat memorabilia but a carefully composed artwork, with front and back illustrations that echo Topps’ iconic card designs.
The journey to this point was neither short nor simple. It’s been a winding road since the 2003-04 season when Upper Deck wrestled the NHL trading card license from Topps, earning exclusive rights that sidelined their rivals for years. Tonight, Topps is extending an olive branch to hockey fans. But instead of the exciting crinkle of card packs, they’re offering a more refined experience: large-format, autographed action shots with the bonus flourish of card-like information on the reverse side.
Like a seasoned curator, each Emanate photo has been hand-signed (eschewing the more common—and less personal—sticker autograph), bears a unique serial number, and comes with a hologram to guarantee its provenance. Displaying these masterpieces is a breeze thanks to the inclusion of a magnetic folio case, as part of Topps’ efforts to ensure the highest level of presentation, almost as if it were coaxing its way back into collectors’ hearts (and walls).
The chase is part of the charm, and Emanate does not disappoint. The collection includes six color variants delineating rarity: Gold (#/50), Orange (#/25), Blue (#/10), Red (#/5), and an ultra-rare Iridescent (1/1). These color-coded treasures add an element of surprise and exclusivity akin to a card pack, rewarding the lucky and the persistent among fans.
Peeling back the curtain, the checklist reveals over 70 players representing all 32 NHL teams. It’s a star-studded gathering of both the game’s brightest current talents and legendary figures from the past. Connor Bedard graces the same lineup as Auston Matthews, Alexander Ovechkin, Nathan MacKinnon, and Mark Messier. It’s not just a who’s who, but a testament to the continuing allure of hockey’s most captivating figures—an intergenerational ice rink on your wall.
Adding further intrigue, a select number of these prints boast multiple signatures. Imagine a singular masterpiece signed and inscribed by Ovechkin, Bedard, and Matthews. It’s the kind of treasure hunt you might expect from an episode of “Antiques Roadshow”—a rare 1/1 piece, pristine and singular.
In terms of retail, each box of Topps Under Wraps: Emanate 2024-25 is set at $130. What you pay in price, you receive doubly in the form of high-quality, tangible nostalgia. This curated experience bridges the visceral joy of opening a pack with the visual zest of contemporary memorabilia.
So, what does this mean for Topps’ role in hockey collecting? It wouldn’t be accurate to claim they’re throwing a full-scale return gala. This venture feels more like a gentle skate around the pond rather than a full reenactment of the glory days of yore. However, by partnering with Fanatics, which owns nearly every key license in the hobby realm, Topps has presented itself as both a nostalgic affiliate and an innovate force.
The hockey collectibles realm is evolving, and in part, Topps is angling to be both its historian and auteur. But who knows—this might be the opening salvo. Whether they opt to dip their toes further or orchestrate a full comeback, Topps seems to have mastered the art of leaving fans guessing—and wanting more. In the end, perhaps it is these oversized facsimiles of hockey greats which best imitate the most cherished trading cards of old: a tactile whisper of yesteryear through the lens of tomorrow’s innovation.
