Which hockey card collections to chase in 2025–26

The 2025–26 season looks packed for collectors: from entry-level sets for the joy of ripping packs to hit-driven products and rookie hunts, there’s plenty to build (or reboot) a great collection. Here’s a tour of the key lines to watch, plus a few tips by budget and collecting style.

MVP: the accessible season opener

As every year, MVP kicks things off. The 2025–26 checklist brings 200 base cards and 50 SP/Rookies, plus playful new inserts (Mascot Battle, Net Presence, etc.) and even stickers—new to the line. It’s the ideal product to start the season without breaking the bank and to introduce younger collectors.

Upper Deck Series One: the Young Guns chase

Series One remains the must-have. You’ll find the first 250 cards of the Base Set, including 49 Young Guns—the rookie card most coveted by a majority of collectors. The 2025–26 crop also introduces new inserts like Bootleg, Encore, and Compositions, alongside staples such as UD Canvas and Dazzlers. Expect strong demand around fall rookies.

Artifacts: relics, autos, and rarities

Released in late September 2025, Artifacts continues to attract fans of autographs and memorabilia with several new concepts (e.g., History Lesson Signatures) and a Bounty program around Aurum to complete. It’s a classic hit-focused product, great to rip solo or in group breaks.

Tim Hortons: Canada’s autumn ritual

Tim Hortons packs return each October at participating restaurants—a tradition that turns coffee lines into mini trade nights. The 2025–26 edition launched October 6, 2025, perfect for completing subsets with the family and bringing new collectors into the hobby.

O-Pee-Chee (OPC): big retro set with a Bounty twist

OPC is old-school fun at its best: a massive checklist, retro design, and in recent years a Top Rookie Puzzle Bounty that rewards those who complete the challenge. The 2025–26 release is expected for February 2026 (subject to change)—handy for refilling binders at mid-season.

Skybox Metal Universe: PMGs and ’90s vibes

For hunters of visual rarities, Skybox Metal Universe and its Precious Metal Gems (PMG) remain a sure bet. The 2025–26 edition highlights fresh inserts and should arrive around March 2026 (dates vary by retailer). Expect volatile prices around rookie PMGs.

e-Pack & New Arrivals: track rookies in real time

If you like reacting quickly to a young player’s debut, watch Upper Deck e-Pack New Arrivals: digital packs dedicated to rookies roll out as NHL first games happen, with Blue/Gold parallels and some very limited autos. It’s a smart way to “touch” a hot rookie before paper releases land.

Quick tips for 2025–26

Fun-first budget: MVP + Tim Hortons for easy ripping and trading.

Rookie chasing: Series One (and later Series Two) for the season’s most sought-after Young Guns.

Hit hunting: Artifacts now; OPC/OPC Platinum and Skybox MU in early 2026 for numbered parallels and premium inserts.

Whatever your approach, set a clear goal (complete a set, target 3–5 rookies, or chase a specific insert type) and follow a release calendar: autumn for MVP/Series One/Artifacts/Tim Hortons; winter–spring for OPC and Skybox. Happy hunting!