Top NHL Card Brands: Discover the Elite Collectibles

The world of NHL cards is an exciting realm for both avid collectors and passionate hockey enthusiasts. Over the years, several brands have distinguished themselves as leaders in producing high-quality cards that capture the thrill and history of the NHL. Among these esteemed brands, Upper Deck consistently tops the list with its premium card collections featuring both legendary players and rising talents. Other noteworthy brands include Panini, with its dynamic designs and inserts, and In the Game, that offers unique sets for niche collectors. Curious to find out which other brands have earned a place in the hearts of hockey card enthusiasts? Read on below to explore our comprehensive list.

Illustration of nhl cards

Best brands of nhl cards in 2025

Upper Deck

Upper Deck is a leading producer of NHL trading cards, renowned for its high-quality and authentic collectibles. The company extended its partnership with the NHL in 2021 and has maintained a significant presence in the market since the early 1990s, especially in regions like Australia where their products have gained impressive traction. Upper Deck has recently announced exclusive deals with prominent hockey players, such as Connor Bedard, the number one overall 2023 NHL Draft pick, and Michael Misa, a junior hockey sensation. Their autograph cards, featuring the authentic signatures of professional athletes, are highly valued by collectors and are expected to hold the largest market share in the future. The integration of technological advancements and the inclusion of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have further enhanced Upper Deck's offerings.

Panini

Panini is a leading producer of NHL trading cards, renowned for its high-quality and exclusive offerings. The company holds the exclusive trading card license for the NHL, a position it shares with other major sports leagues such as the NBA and NFL. Panini's autograph cards, in particular, are highly valued by collectors, with the segment anticipated to account for a significant market share of 61.59% by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.40% between 2023 and 2030. The company's long-standing partnerships and global distribution networks further solidify its dominance in the sports trading card market. For instance, Panini's partnership with FIFA has been extended, maintaining its position as the exclusive licensed partner for FIFA-branded trading cards and sticker albums. To learn more about market trends and growth information, visit the sports trading card market report.

Topps

Topps is a renowned brand in the sports trading card industry, particularly notable for its NHL cards. Acquired by Fanatics in January 2022 for $500 million, Topps has maintained a long-standing partnership with Major League Baseball (MLB) and has a significant presence in the NHL market as well. The brand's cards, including vintage and limited-edition ones, have seen a surge in demand, with some cards selling for record-breaking prices, such as the $12.6 million sale of a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card in 2022. Topps' extensive card portfolios and global distribution networks have helped it dominate the North American market. The integration of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and digital platforms has further enhanced the brand's appeal. For more insights, explore the sports trading card market report.

Leaf

Leaf Trading Cards, founded in 2010 by Brian Gray, is a prominent producer of sports collectibles, including NHL cards, known for their high-quality and exclusive offerings. Despite not having an NHL license, Leaf manages to create appealing cards, such as the 2016 Jack Eichel Collection, which includes a unique autographed card in each set. This collection, released on November 22, 2016, consists of 30 cards plus one autographed card, with some versions limited to as few as one copy each. Leaf's products often feature premium elements like on-card autographs and special foil designs. The company's commitment to detail and exclusivity makes it a favorite among hockey card collectors. For more information about NHL hockey cards, explore their dedicated resources.

O-Pee-Chee

O-Pee-Chee is renowned as one of the premier producers of NHL cards, with a history dating back to the 1930s. The company, founded in 1911 in London, Ontario, Canada, began producing hockey cards in the mid-1930s and has since become synonymous with high-quality hockey card sets. Notably, O-Pee-Chee's 1979-80 #18 Wayne Gretzky rookie card is one of the most valuable hockey cards, selling for $3.75 million in 2021. Through its partnership with Topps and later Upper Deck, O-Pee-Chee has continued to produce highly sought-after cards, including the popular O-Pee-Chee Premier series introduced in the 1990-91 season. Today, Upper Deck continues to produce O-Pee-Chee branded cards, maintaining the brand's legacy in the hockey card market. For more insights, visit the detailed article on CGC Cards.

In The Game

In The Game (ITG) was a prominent sports card manufacturing company, particularly renowned for its high-quality NHL trading cards. Founded by Brian H. Price in 1998, ITG made its mark with the "Be A Player" brand, featuring one certified autograph card per pack, an innovation that enhanced collector loyalty. Despite facing licensing challenges, including the loss of its NHLPA license in 2005, ITG continued to produce sets featuring active and retired NHL players, as well as minor and junior hockey players. The company also produced notable sets under the umbrella of Hockey Canada and released a brief series of baseball cards in 2010. ITG's assets were eventually sold to Leaf Trading Cards in 2014. For further details, visit the In The Game Trading Cards Wikipedia page.

ITG

In The Game (ITG) is renowned as one of the best producers of NHL trading cards, having made a significant impact on the sports card hobby since its founding in 1998 by Brian H. Price. ITG's initial success came with the "Be A Player" brand, which featured one certified autograph card per pack, an innovation that set a high standard in the industry. Despite losing its NHLPA license in 2005, ITG continued to produce unique and desirable hockey cards, including sets featuring players and logos under the umbrella of Hockey Canada. In 2014, the company's assets and trade name were acquired by Leaf Trading Cards, ensuring ITG's legacy in the hockey card market. ITG's focus on hockey has made it a favorite among collectors seeking high-quality, niche hockey cards. For more information on ITG, visit their Wikipedia page.

Pacific Trading Cards

Pacific Trading Cards is renowned for its high-quality NHL cards, particularly notable for its 2001 Pacific Hockey Cards set, which includes 2718 cards and features exclusive parallels like the Gold Crown Die Cuts series. This set highlights top players such as Patrick Roy, Sergei Fedorov, and Keith Tkachuk. The brand gained a license to issue trading cards in the 1997-98 season, marking a significant entry into the market. Pacific Trading Cards are highly valued among collectors for their detailed designs and rare inserts. The brand's contributions have been pivotal in the growth of the collectible trading card market, especially in the sports segment.

Score

The Score brand was a significant player in the NHL card market, particularly during the 1992-93 season, where it released both Canadian and American sets. The Canadian set, ranked higher due to its more attractive front design and inclusion of Maurice Richard cards, featured 550 cards, including subsets like Award Winners and Season Highlights. Score's innovative approach, such as using bold, colorful border designs and extensive player biographies, had previously disrupted the baseball card industry in the late 1980s. The brand's consistency in producing high-quality sets lasted from 1990-91 to 1997-98, before being revived from 2010-11 to 2013-14 under Panini America. Score's sets were notable for their comprehensive coverage of players, including those from recent expansion teams. For more information, explore this detailed ranking of 1992-93 hockey card sets.

Donruss

Donruss, although no longer an independent entity, was once a prominent producer of NHL cards, particularly after acquiring the rights to produce hockey cards in 1993. Known for its high-quality cards, Donruss introduced innovative features such as randomly inserted limited edition and autographed insert cards, which significantly enhanced the value and appeal of their products. Despite facing challenges like the 1994 Major League Baseball strike and National Hockey League lockout, Donruss continued to innovate, producing special card series in partnership with major brands. The brand was eventually acquired by Pinnacle Brands in 1996 and later by the Panini Group in 2009, which continues to use the Donruss brand under its umbrella. Donruss cards, especially those from the 1990s, remain highly sought after by collectors for their unique designs and rarity. For more detailed information, visit the Donruss Wikipedia page.