## P.K. Subban Reflects on the Evolution of Hockey Cards
P.K. Subban, the former defenseman and current ESPN analyst, recently shared his excitement over the modern hockey card industry. While a childhood collector himself, Subban was genuinely impressed by the advancements made since his youth. “It’s just cool now because before it was just an image on a card,” Subban remarked at Raymond James Stadium before the 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series game between the Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning. “Now it’s a piece of history. I mean, it was always a piece of history, but to me, they’ve elevated it. And they’ve given more to the fan.”
Subban collaborated with Kyle Kravitz, known as kingofthecards on Instagram (boasting over 330,000 followers), and Upper Deck to showcase their newest products, including the Allure and Black Diamond boxes, at a special event held at the stadium’s pirate ship. He emphasized the value fans place on memorabilia, stating, “When you come out of your pocket to buy a piece of memorabilia, you want something special, and these cards are just really, really special. I’m impressed. I’m blown away, really.”
### A New Level of Collectibles
Subban recalled his early collecting days, remembering cards featuring players like Dominik Hasek. However, he noted a significant difference between then and now. “These cards now, they’re making them with jerseys in them and it’s just a different level.”
The showcased products, Allure Hockey and Black Diamond, represent this new level. Allure Hockey, one of Upper Deck’s annual chrome releases, features chase cards like Blue Line and Purple Diamond parallels, with some limited to as few as 10 copies. Golden Treasures and Golden Treasures autograph parallels are even rarer, being one-of-a-kind. Each box guarantees at least eight rookie cards and at least one autograph or Doubloons card.
The latest Allure edition also introduces the Impressions set, a unique 10-card original art set featuring both established superstars and rising talents.
Black Diamond offers a wealth of numbered and autographed cards, including those of highly anticipated rookies like Matthew Schaefer (No. 1 pick by the New York Islanders in the 2025 NHL Draft) and Montreal Canadiens forward Ivan Demidov, alongside NHL legends such as Wayne Gretzky, Gordie Howe, and Henrik Lundqvist. Collectors can also pursue Hockey History Patches and Captain Patches.
### The Thrill of the Chase
Kyle Kravitz, a lifelong Islanders fan and season ticket holder, shared his excitement about the chase for Schaefer cards. “For me, I’m as excited to open boxes as I’ve been in a long time because I’m chasing an Islanders top pick… And being able to chase an Islander who looks like he’s going to be the face of the League (is exciting as a fan).”
Interestingly, a Schaefer card appeared in one of Subban’s packs, leading to a trade between the two collectors. Subban highlighted the connection between cards and players, stating, “A lot of fans don’t get to meet their favorite player, so to have a card and then potentially be able to meet that person someday…” He recalled meeting Mats Sundin and receiving a broken stick, emphasizing the sentimental value of such memorabilia.
### A Legacy of Innovation
Subban also reminisced about his own experiences with Upper Deck, recalling winning a signed LeBron James jersey in 2009. “Upper Deck has been great to me personally, but they’ve been great to a lot about athletes, and really just a pillar in the world of sports when it comes to card trading and merchandise and memorabilia, I mean they do it the best.”
During the card opening event, Subban and Kravitz obtained cards of Bruins forward Morgan Geekie and Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman, which they then had signed by the players and gifted to two lucky fans. Kravitz reiterated his passion for hockey, stating, “I’m a hockey fan first… I just see a great opportunity to help grow the game and grow the hobby at the same time.”
Subban also fondly remembered collecting Pokemon cards as a child, but emphasized the dramatic improvements in card quality and design. “So the thought back then was not to be able to have a holographic card or a card made out of glass… So to be able to have all of those things and have people add them just shows how much the industry’s invested in the fans.”
[Upper Deck](https://www.upper-deck.com/) continues to be a leader in the sports memorabilia industry, consistently innovating and providing fans with unique and collectible items.
