Upper Deck signs Auston Matthews to exclusive autographed trading card deal
By Stephen Laroche | Beckett Hockey Editor
After months of speculation as to if he would sign an exclusive autograph deal with a trading card manufacturer, Toronto Maple Leafs rookie Auston Matthews has come to an agreement with Upper Deck.
“The Toronto Maple Leafs are one of the most popular NHL franchises in North America and Auston Matthews has already ignited tremendous excitement with that fan base,” said Upper Deck’s President, Jason Masherah, in a press release. “With the nucleus of young talent they are assembling in Toronto, adding Matthews to the roster is the start of something big for the Maple Leafs. Our team is thrilled to be able to deliver exclusive content of this top player and we are committed to delivering Maple Leafs fans the best in terms of licensed trading card content for Matthews.”
The deal was completed following negotiations with CAA, which represents Matthews.
The first cards of the first overall pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft in his Toronto Maple Leafs uniform were recently released in 2016-17 Upper Deck Series One Hockey, but there were no autographed cards of him found in packs. It has not yet been revealed when the first autographs will become available. He will likely be featured quite prominently in a Toronto Maple Leafs Centennial product which Upper Deck recently teased in its blog.
Stephen Laroche is the editor of Beckett Hockey, Beckett Basketball, and Beckett Sports Card Monthly magazines. Have a comment, question or idea? Send an e-mail to him at slaroche@beckett.com or follow him on Twitter @Stephen_Laroche.
