PRODUCT PREVIEW: 2020-21 UPPER DECK EXTENDED
An unusual hockey season sets the stage for unexpected releases from Upper Deck. Case in point: The company is adding a third, updated series to its flagship brand. The checklist is chockfull of familiar concepts, including the resurrection of several inserts that haven’t been seen in decades. Here’s a look at what to expect from the hobby version of this product.
BASE/PARALLELS
The base set (size TBA) will act as an updated coda to the 2020-21 Upper Deck Hockey flagship series, extending it to more than 700 cards. Naturally, that includes even more Young Guns Rookie Cards, bringing the total for the year to 125 YGs between the three releases. This subset will include players who made their NHL debuts through February 12, 2021. As usual, these drop 1:4 packs, which works out to six per box. Base set parallels, for both rookies and vets, include:
• French – (Veterans – 1:30, Young Guns – 1:120)
• Clear Cut – (Veterans – 1:64, Young Guns – 1:192)
• Exclusives – /100
• Clear Cut Exclusives (TBD)
• High Gloss – /10
INSERTS
The 2005-06 Upper Deck Hockey design gets the Tribute treatment with a series of inserts. These fall four per box, one of which is a rookie boasting the Young Guns logo. Exclusives (/100) and High Gloss (/10) parallels also will be included. Dazzlers returns, with Blue dropping 1:48 and Pink at 1:144. The rest of the insert content is inspired by a deep dive though UD’s history, with several familiar concepts being revived from their original usages in the late ’90s and early ’00s. The following have a mix of both current stars and rookies. Parallels are noted in parentheses:
• HoloGrFx (Gold)
• Ovation (Standing Ovation)
• Pros and Prospects
• SPx Finite (Spectrum, Radiance)
• Triple Dimensions Reflections (Ruby, Amethyst, Emerald, Gold)
• Ultimate Victory (Silver, Gold) Connor McDavid MMXXI (1:80) offers highlights of the Oilers superstar under the Ultimate Victory banner. Also look for Silver and Gold parallels. Rookie Class SE (1:12 hobby) have both serial numbered Gold and Spectrum Autograph (1:432) parallels. Numbered Top Shelf Rookies are also available.