2024-25 Upper Deck Series 1 Hockey

This is the first set of the 2024-25 season, so it's the entry point for collecting the year's rookie class. Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, and Auston Matthews anchor the base set, but the real story is the wave of talented rookies hitting the NHL for the first time. Upper Deck Series 1 typically runs lean on autographs and hits compared to premium products, but that's the point. It's designed as a high-volume release where you're chasing parallels and building sets rather than hoping for one card to pay rent. The photography and design land somewhere between clean and safe, which is fine for the entry-level collector. Packs are cheap enough that ripping a box doesn't feel like a financial risk. Look for the standard parallel tiers: Clear Cut, Canvas, and Retro variants printed in descending quantities. The Canvas parallels tend to move fastest because of their appearance and lower pull rates. Series 1 includes a small number of Young Guns rookie cards, which are the backbone of what people hunt. You might also see some autograph cards even at the base level, though they're sparse. Retail and hobby boxes are similar here, so you're not missing out on exclusive hits if you buy retail. The set size is manageable, making completion a realistic goal if you're patient and willing to buy singles for the tougher parallels. Buy this if you want to start the season without spending a ton and enjoy the hunt for parallels rather than pure hits. It's solid for building sets or targeting specific rookies at a reasonable pace. Skip it if you only care about autographs and game-worn material. Series 1 is the foundation of the year, and some of those rookie cards will age well, but you're playing a longer game here. Best approach is to identify your key rookies, rip a box or two for fun, then fill gaps with singles.