2016-17 Upper Deck Black Hockey will have a slightly different configuration when it arrives later this month. This year the product will feature five cards per pack – down from six cards in 2015-16 – At a lower price point.
At least two of the five cards will feature an on-card autograph, with an additional two being either an autograph or a memorabilia card, and the fifth and final card being a base card. As a result of the change, Upper Deck is advertising a 25% decrease in price. Boxes are currently being pre-sold for between $200 and $225 with an expected release date of September 29.
Here is a look at what collectors can expect from 2016-17 UD Black Hockey.
Rookie Autographs
In last year’s product one Lustrous Rookie Signature was guaranteed per pack, but that is not the case for this year’s issue. 35 of the NHL’s top rookies signed for the set including Mitch Marner of the Maple Leafs and Patrik Laine of Winnipeg. Each card is hand signed on an acetate surface and includes several variations. Level 1 cards are #’d to 249, Level 2 cards are #’d to 149, Level 3 cards are #’d to 25, and Black & Blue parallels are #’d to just 5.
New to 2016-17 UD Black Hockey
To avoid a retread of last year’s issue, Upper Deck has included a number of new inserts into the 2016-17 edition. One of the new sets is Color Coded which features autographed and autographed jersey cards in vibrant ink, with Black & Blue parallels being a unique 1/1. The other new insert is Black Hole, which features autographs, autographed jerseys, patches #’d to 15, and autograph patches #’d to. In addition to current stars, Black Hole includes both rookies and retired legends.
Premium Content
2017-17 UD Black Hockey will feature a rich selection of autographs and memorabilia from the current roster of NHL stars along with its greatest names.
The Pro Penmanship set will feature on-card autographs from either one, two, or even three players. Obsidian Signatures will also feature on-card autographs along with a patch parallel. A number of popular booklet cards will be included, with quad booklet cards leading the way that will also have a patch variation. Finally, Find Fresh Gear booklets will have jersey, patch, stick, and glove relics along with an on-card auto.