Excitement for the 2025 NHL Draft
As the 2025 NHL Draft approaches, excitement builds not just for hockey fans but for pop culture enthusiasts as well. Upper Deck has seized upon the launch of James Gunn’s anticipated “Superman” film—set for release in July—to create a unique crossover between the NHL and DC Comics.
Upper Deck’s Fanimation Trading Cards
The card company has unveiled a fresh collection of Fanimation trading cards, which harken back to their inception in the early 1990s when basketball icons, including Michael Jordan, graced similar cards.
Today, coinciding with the NHL Draft festivities, Upper Deck introduced a series of cards showcasing five of the draft’s most promising hockey players. Each prospect has been depicted as a superhero, drawing inspiration from iconic DC characters, thanks to the artwork of renowned artist Carlo Barberi.
Featured Athletes
The five athletes featured include:
- Matthew Schaefer as Superman
- Michael Misa as Batman
- James Hagens as The Flash
- Porter Martone as Green Lantern
- Caleb Desnoyers as Nightwing
All are portrayed in hockey gear reminiscent of legendary comic book heroes.
Partnerships and Agreements
Additionally, Upper Deck recently entered into a trading card and memorabilia agreement with Schaefer, who is forecasted to be the top pick by the New York Islanders. The company has established similar partnerships with Misa and Hagens, along with exclusive trading card rights for Martone, Desnoyers, Roger McQueen, Kashawn Aitcheson, and Carter Bear.
Notably, Upper Deck’s design team created these superhero representations without involving the prospects, adding a sense of anticipation as these athletes launch their NHL careers.
“These aren’t the actual DC characters, but we aimed to merge their essence and present the players reflected through those iconic figures, which fans familiar with the characters will undoubtedly appreciate.” – Jason Masherah, president of Upper Deck
Collaboration with DC
Earlier in the year, Upper Deck announced its partnership with DC after Marvel transitioned to Topps. The inaugural release from this collaboration was the DC Annual set, with Masherah confirming that additional projects are already in the pipeline.
Reflecting on the nostalgia tied to the Fanimation brand, Masherah noted that this release marks a return to the roots of the series, originally illustrated by comic legend Jim Lee, now the chief creative officer at DC.
Accessibility and Future Plans
Upper Deck’s commitment to making trading cards accessible has led to the introduction of the e-Pack platform, designed to cater to fans around the globe. This online system allows enthusiasts to buy digital packs, manage their collections virtually, and request physical copies on demand—an incredible convenience for those who may not live near traditional card shops.
The superhero-themed cards are just the opening act in Upper Deck’s broader strategy to merge sports and comic book culture. In line with DC’s “Summer of Superman” initiative, which will capitalize on the new film’s release, Upper Deck plans to unveil four different card sets featuring NHL themes intertwined with Superman lore.
Among these, a special edition will showcase hockey legends Wayne Gretzky and Connor McDavid, utilizing iconic imagery from the movie.
Further Collaborations
Further collaborations are also in the works, including a project with NASCAR featuring Tyler Reddick and Michael Jordan’s 23XI racing team. A pair of related cards is going live on e-Pack soon, with the Reddick racing car showcasing Superman alongside Upper Deck’s branding during the June 28 NASCAR Cup Series.
“We are excited about upcoming products such as Superman Brilliance, which aims to make the trading card experience more accessible amid rising prices, along with a new Metal Universe Batman set slated for later in the year.” – Jason Masherah
With the draft’s location in Hollywood—where DC is based—everything aligns to create a truly spectacular launch for the latest Fanimation series and more to come.
