COMING ATTRACTIONS

2022 23 BLACK DIAMOND

WHAT IS IT?:

Black Diamond has proven to be a popular release in recent seasons, and Upper Deck isn’t messing with success.

This year’s product delivers all the familiar elements, with each six-card box offering an autograph or gem card, along with three tech inserts or memorabilia cards, and one Exquisite Collection card.

THE BASICS:

The shell set offers 100 top stars, each numbered to 349. Parallels include Red (/75), Blue (/25), Green (/10), and Gold (1/1), with Pure Black Autographs (1/1) available for select players. Diamond Relics parallels (/5) have, depending on the player, between one and four diamonds.

These also have Pure Black (1/1) versions. Diamond Relic Rookies (/99) take a similar tiered approach, with the number of diamonds corresponding with their perceived future potential. Ruby (/49), Purple (/25), Emerald (/10), and Pure Black (1/1) parallels heighten the chase, as do Diamond Relic Rookies Retro Quad inserts.

CHASE HIGHLIGHTS:

Shimmering Signatures (1:40) is a new die-cut concept that is bolstered by serial numbered Spectrum parallels. Sparkling Scripts has veteran (1:6) and rookie (1:10) elements, with Spectrum parallels that have 25 copies each. Gemography (/25) returns with a mix of veteran and rookie signers and Ruby (/15), Purple (/10), Emerald (/5), and Pure Black (1/1) parallels. Auto/patch combos Jewels of the Dra• and All-Time Jewels of the Dra• return as well.

Team Logo Jumbo Patches (1:5) are manufactured relics that fit together to form whole patches. Each of the product’s five team themes has nine cards: 2022 AllStars, Anaheim Ducks, Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, and Toronto Maple Leafs. Retro Logo versions are 1:15, while Gold Full Team Logo (/15), Full Team Alternate Logo (/5), and Gold NHL Shield Logo (1/1) parallels are also available.

Band of Color returns with six colored gems (veterans /22; rookies/23). Diamond Stars, Diamond Futures, and Diamond Legends are printed with Silver Spectrum Light FX. Base versions have 299 copies while Purple parallels have 49. These also have a mix of numbered autographs and autographed memorabilia cards. Additional auto memorabilia parallels are tough, limited to just Purple (/10) and Pure Black (1/1).

EXQUISITE COLLECTION:

Standard cards include Veterans (/399), Rookies (/399), and Rookie Dra• Day (/349). Gold (/99, Rookie Dra• Day /75) and Gold Spectrum (/25, Rookie Dra• Day #/ player’s dra• position) versions are also available.

Exquisite Moments (/299) feature highlights and specific achievements. The parallel lineup for these consists of Gold (/99), Silver (/49), and Gold Spectrum (/25). 2008-09 Retro Veterans and 200809 Retro Rookies go back 15 years for their design inspiration. These also have Gold (/99), and Gold Spectrum (/25) versions. Also look for Veteran Materials, Rookies Patches (/99), and Rookie Jumbo Materials (/10). Gold and Gold Spectrum parallels have even smaller print runs.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?:

Black Diamond delivers some serious eye candy, and it doesn’t skimp on the autos, memorabilia, and serial numbering that premium collectors love.