As a hockey fan and hockey card collector for over five decades, I often look back on the good old days when I collected so many fond memories. But with the news that Upper Deck has launched a new collecting platform called “Evolution”, I feel like the good old days of collecting are still here. In fact, the collection may be better because cards and memorabilia are now easier to access.
The Upper Deck’s newest collection platform development Officially launched on April 25th, it is truly a game-changer for collectors of all ages and experience levels. With the launch of Evolution, this is the first time that digital collectible items can be traded for physical items and vice versa – making collecting your favorite NHL cards even more accessible and exciting.
Evolution opens up a new market for authentic digital collectibles
Evolution is Upper Deck’s third online collecting platform, creating an ecosystem for fans and collectors to enjoy and interact with each other – no additional fees (e-Pack, Collect Forever, Evolution.) To celebrate the launch of Evolution, Upper Deck releases NHL & NHLPA Digital Collectibles NHL & NHLPA licensed originals, with additional products set to launch later this year
“We’re committed to creating new ways for fans to enjoy the art of collecting and bringing home their favorite moments from sports, shows, movies and more,” said Jason Masherah, President of Upper Deck. “From e-Pack to Evolution, I couldn’t be more proud of the progress we’ve made, and bringing original digital collectibles to Upper Deck’s suite of products is an exciting achievement. As a collector, it’s really exciting to be at the forefront of the industry’s continued innovation.”
Benefits of the Upper Deck Digital Trading System
Within the Upper Deck digital trading ecosystem, collectors can benefit from a network of online platforms, including: electronic package – the platform where collectors can purchase and physically open digital trading card packs online, with the option to obtain the physical counterpart; Collect Forever TM – Collect Forever’s #1 Collectibles site where collectors can purchase a wide variety of comics and physical collectibles; And now the evolution. Once an Evolution digital collectible is purchased, it can remain on the platform and be traded in for other digital authentic collectibles. Instead, they can be transferred to an electronic package and traded for physical items such as trading cards, coins, and souvenirs, in a safe and secure peer-to-peer platform—the first time that digital collectible items can be traded for physical items and vice versa.
Moshira added, “It’s no secret that NFTs have taken the world by storm, but the term ‘non-fungible token’ has many different interpretations. For us, it was important to continue to apply the industry standards of quality and authenticity that Upper Deck is known for, and that collectors will recognize.” Immediately upon unlocking the original Digital Collectibles at Evolution.
See the new collectible releases during the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs
Upper Deck debuted Evolution with an exclusive assortment of limited-edition digital authentic collectibles introduced during the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs, starting with the 2015-2016 Fleer Showcase. The April 25th edition of the Preview Packs gives collectors a sneak peek at three upcoming Fleer Showcase drops and features 25 of the best players from the original 2015-2016 product.
Each of the 9,000 packs contains one NHL and NHLPA licensed NFT trading card limited to 320 or less. Collectors who complete the base set can earn an Evolution Update Achievement Set featuring Leon Draisaitl, David Pastrnak, and Andrei Vasilevskiy, three current superstars who did not appear in the original set.
Conor McDavid – Part of the new Top Deck Hockey Champions edition about evolution
Upper Deck will soon release 2022-23 Hockey Heroes, which will be the first weekly NHL and NHLPA licensed product available on Evolution. Each week, 3,000 Packs will highlight three of hockey’s best players all with unique visual effects, starting with Upper Deck spokesman Connor McDavid. Hockey Heroes will feature superstars like Nathan MacKinnon and Alex Ovechkin and deliver exclusive achievements to year-end NHL award winners that can be earned by collecting and completing NFT Trading Card collections.
“It is great to be working exclusively with the company that is setting a precedent for innovation and endorsement in sports and accessible entertainment. I am so excited for fans to see these digital authentic collectibles, and I am honored to be featured in the first Hockey Heroes line,” said McDavid, Upper Deck exclusive spokesperson.
Related: Oil Company’s Connor McDavid Signs New Deal With Upstairs
Latest news and highlights
Upper Deck plans to expand its Evolution product offerings throughout 2023, adding new properties and creating more authentic digital collectibles for collectors’ enjoyment. To learn more and explore original digital collectibles available for purchase, visit www.collectevo.com.
The development heralds an exciting future for collectors
Personally, I love the Evolution launch. I feel it brings the past together with the future. It reminds me of when I asked my son what new music he was listening to, and suddenly he was introduced to new (to me) bands like Bring Me the Horizon or Royal Blood. This is coming from a Zeppelin fan. I feel the same about hockey cards and memorabilia. If I’m not evolving, I’m not living, which is why I’ll enjoy exploring evolution and the possibilities of trading some of my old cards for new digital versions. The future is here, and it’s really exciting even for a vintage collector like me.
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