🏒 Upper Deck 2025-26 Series 1: The return of the flagship product that thrills collectors

The wait is almost over: Upper Deck 2025-26 Series 1 Hockey is scheduled to launch on October 15, 2025 (subject to change). For collectors, this is the release that officially kicks off the hockey card season — the flagship product that introduces the first Young Guns rookies of the year and sets the tone for the months ahead.

✨ Configuration and Key Details

Upper Deck stays true to its winning formula but brings a few exciting updates for 2025-26. Each Hobby box includes 12 packs per box and 12 cards per pack. The base set contains 250 cards, featuring veterans, rookies, and checklists.

Collectors can expect the familiar range of parallels:

• UD Exclusives (# / 100)

• High Gloss (# / 10)

• Clear Cut (Hobby exclusive)

• Outburst Silver, Outburst Red, and Outburst Gold 1-of-1 versions.

Inserts also return stronger than ever, combining popular favorites and all-new themes: Bootleg (a brand-new SSP), Bustle, Compadres, Compositions, Cup Quest, Goal Oriented, Sizzle Reel, Tracking Systems, as well as the classic UD Canvas, UD Portraits, and Encore sets.

Each Hobby box should yield an average of six Young Guns rookies, the core of every collector’s chase.

🔍 New Additions and Highlights

Series 1 2025-26 introduces several innovations that will keep collectors engaged:

• Bootleg: a super short print insert with bold designs and textured finishes, quickly becoming one of the year’s toughest pulls.

• Dazzlers Gold: a new ultra-limited color variation joining the existing Blue and Pink versions.

• Holotypes: a 30-card insert featuring each player only once, focused on high-definition imagery and premium foil touches.

• Snow Spray Auto Variation and Base Variation SSP cards add even more chase value with extremely limited print runs.

• Sizzle Reel includes QR codes linking directly to video highlights from the previous NHL season — a smart blend of digital and physical collecting.

These additions prove that Upper Deck continues to innovate while respecting the traditions that made the brand a cornerstone of the hobby.

📅 Release Date and Buying Tips

• Official release: October 15, 2025 (Hobby format).

• Retail formats such as tins and blaster boxes will follow shortly after.

• Pre-orders are already available at major hobby stores across North America.

To improve your odds of landing rare cards:

1. Pre-order early — allocations often sell out quickly.

2. Watch for special “First Strike” or limited hobby allocations.

3. Compare prices between Canadian and U.S. retailers for best value.

🎯 Why Series 1 Still Matters

Every year, Upper Deck Series 1 serves as the official start of the NHL card season. It’s where collectors find the first rookie cards of the new class — players who could define the future of the game.

A Young Guns rookie graded PSA 10 or BGS Black Label can reach remarkable resale values, especially for standout talents. Add in new chase inserts like Bootleg or Dazzlers Gold, and the thrill of the hunt is as strong as ever.

Upper Deck 2025-26 Series 1 strikes the perfect balance between nostalgia and innovation, offering collectors of all levels a reason to rip, grade, and chase once again.