Upper Deck Launches 2 of a Kind NHL Cards With One Copy for Player and One for Collector

Upper Deck is launching a new NHL trading card program built around a simple idea: only two copies of each card will exist, with one going directly to the player and the other going into packs for a collector to find. The new program, called 2 of a Kind, will debut as an insert in 2026-27 O-Pee-Chee and will feature a 100-player checklist each year. For every player included, Upper Deck will produce exactly two matching cards. The “1 of 2” version will be gifted to the NHL player pictured on the card, while the matching “2 of 2” will be inserted into O-Pee-Chee products for collectors.

That means whoever pulls the public copy will own the only collector-held counterpart to the card sitting with the player himself. Upper Deck says the concept was designed to create a more direct connection between athletes and collectors rather than simply producing another low-numbered parallel.

“The feeling of pulling a rare card of your favorite player is unique, and it’s hard to recreate. That, plus our constant goal of trying to connect collectors with their favorite players, was the basis for 2 of a Kind™,” said Jason Masherah, President of Upper Deck. “With only two cards being created of each player, them getting one and a collector getting the other, we can’t wait to see the reactions and interactions this program brings for years to come.”

The cards themselves will receive a distinctive construction to separate them from standard O-Pee-Chee inserts. Upper Deck says the fronts will use metallic foilboard, while the backs will be printed on a rose gold substrate. Each player will have one card numbered 1 of 2 and one numbered 2 of 2, with no additional copies produced.

Upper Deck also points to the numbering itself as part of the concept. The collector version is effectively “2 of 2,” or 222, a number the company says is often associated with connection and unity. That theme fits the structure of the program, where the two cards are intentionally divided between a professional athlete and a collector. Unlike many ultra-rare modern cards, collectors will not have to pull a redemption and wait for the physical card. Upper Deck says the 2 of 2 copies will be inserted directly into both hobby and retail versions of 2026-27 O-Pee-Chee, with no redemptions involved.

The 100-player checklist is also intended to continue beyond a single release. Upper Deck describes 2 of a Kind as a continuous program that will feature 100 NHL players each year, eventually creating player-collector pairings across a broader portion of the NHL and NHLPA membership.

There may also be an experience attached to pulling one of the cards. Upper Deck says additional information will be released about where collectors can submit their 2 of a Kind card for a chance to meet the NHL player who owns the matching version. The company notes that certain limitations will apply and has not yet released the full rules or eligibility details for that portion of the program.

Upper Deck plans to debut 2 of a Kind in 2026-27 O-Pee-Chee, which is currently scheduled for release around the 2027 NHL All-Star Weekend. The company has not yet announced the full 100-player checklist or odds for pulling the inserts.