In the ever-evolving world of sports memorabilia, a nostalgic echo reverberates with the re-entry of Topps into the realm of hockey. It’s not the typical blast-from-the-past reemergence with packets of shiny rookie cards, but rather, it’s skating back onto the scene with an innovative twist. After a two-decade-slumber since last gracing the ice rink of collectibles during the 2003-04 NHL season, Topps appears on the radar once again — sort of.
This April 3rd heralds the comeback of Topps’ presence in hockey, spearheaded by Fanatics, who now helm the ship of Topps’ legacy. Say hello to Topps Under Wraps: Emanate 2024-25, a tantalizing offering that’s redefining the boundaries of trading card artistry. However, don’t rush to your local card shop expecting to peel open a foil pack, because these aren’t trading cards in the traditional sense.
Instead, Fanatics introduces a masterpiece of memorabilia, boxed as an 8×10 autographed photograph that boldly mimics the grandeur and aesthetics of an oversized trading card. It’s like the classic trading card had a growth spurt, doubling as both a collectible and a statement piece. Imagery on the front teases a glorious likeness of the player, while the back displays that signature card-like information we’ve come to cherish. As longtime collector and dealer Sal Barry eloquently noted in his PuckJunk.com newsletter, “These even have photos and information on the back,” tapping into nostalgia while offering something fresh.
Each photo is individually hand-signed, sparing us from those lackluster sticker autos that often adorn other products. What’s more, the prints are serial-numbered and hologrammed, ensuring both rarity and authenticity. These aren’t just pictures; they’re mini-museums of hockey history, delivered in a magnetic-ready-to-display folio case, showcasing the premium presentation Topps aims for.
Collectors can embark on a colorful chase across six variants: Gold (#/50), Orange (#/25), Blue (#/10), Red (#/5), and the crown jewel itself, Iridescent (1/1). With such a lineup, the thrill of the hunt is palpable, transforming these prints into coveted artifacts for collectors young and old.
The Topps Emanate checklist comprises over 70 of the NHL’s brightest stars, both past and present. Enthusiasts can look forward to obtaing treasures featuring the likes of Connor Bedard, Auston Matthews, Alexander Ovechkin, Nathan MacKinnon, and Igor Shesterkin, to name a few. Even emerging icon Macklin Celebrini and hockey legend Mark Messier grace the collection, painting a comprehensive masterpiece of hockey royalty.
For those with an insatiable appetite for the extraordinary, there’s even more to savor. Among the troves are rare multi-signed editions, including a truly spellbinding 1/1 triple-signed and inscribed photo featuring a triumvirate of talent: Ovechkin, Bedard, and Matthews. Just one glance at such a piece and you’re practically lifting the Stanley Cup in your living room.
Retailing at $130 per box, these hold significant investment appeal, straddling the line between sports memorabilia and fine art. While some may view the price tag as hefty, true collectors understand that the value transcends mere dollar amounts, especially in a world where sports stardom and art collude to create unparalleled value.
But before we drop the puck on this new chapter, the pertinent question looms: Is Topps truly back in the hockey game? Well, not in the way of tearing open packs or diving into the dreamy world of shiny rookie cards and endless parallels. This venture stands apart, portraying a new dimension of card collecting, signaling Topps’ willingness to dip its toes — or skates — back into the icy waters of NHL memorabilia.
With Fanatics, now a zealous player in the hobby, holding the reins of Topps’ future endeavors, this venture into artistically driven autographed photos may just be the opening face-off. Today’s Emanate sets the stage for what could become a crescendo of innovative advances in sports collectibles, where tradition meets transformation.
Expectations are high, and every collector’s dream dance between nostalgia and contemporary whimsy is set to play out. As Topps re-imagines its part in the hockey memorabilia arena, one thing becomes clear: this is perhaps just the start of a much larger and more enchanting season of sport collecting. The fog of hiatus has lifted, the ice is polished, and the anticipation for what’s next clings to the cold air, as hopeful fans and collectors await future surprises that skate to the heart of hockey lore.
