Gavin McKenna Rookie Cards Surface in Upper Deck Releases

Gavin McKenna Surfaces in Two Upper Deck Rookie Cards

One of the most closely watched names for hockey card collectors heading into the 2026-27 NHL season is Gavin McKenna. In a notable early development, two previously unannounced McKenna rookie cards have appeared in the hobby within the past week, giving collectors an unexpected look at what Upper Deck has in store.

The two cards come from different parts of Upper Deck's hockey card lineup. One is a surprise off-checklist short print from 2026-27 Upper Deck Series 1 Hockey. The other is a Gavin McKenna card in Upper Deck Moments, available through the company's e-pack platform.

2026-27 Upper Deck Series 1 Hockey Gavin McKenna SP-1

The biggest surprise is the 2026-27 Upper Deck Series 1 Hockey Gavin McKenna SP-1, a card that was not included on the published checklist for the flagship release. The card shows the projected top pick with his index finger raised on draft night, making it an eye-catching addition to the set and an early chase item for collectors following McKenna's rise.

Because the card was not announced ahead of time, its appearance has generated immediate attention in the hobby. Upper Deck has not publicly detailed whether more off-checklist cards are planned for the release, leaving open the possibility that additional surprises could still emerge as collectors open product and compare finds.

Upper Deck Director of Sports Paul Zickler addressed the reaction during an Oct. 9 appearance on the Nonsense on Ice podcast with host Doug Plagens. When asked what stood out from the release, and after Plagens mentioned the McKenna SP-1 cards circulating on social media, Zickler credited the card designers, the wider Upper Deck team, and artist collaborators for the work behind the card.

The company has not provided further information about the SP-1 beyond what has surfaced publicly, but the card's off-checklist status has already made it one of the more talked-about hockey card developments tied to the new season.

2026-27 Upper Deck Moments Gavin McKenna #7

The second McKenna rookie card comes from Upper Deck Moments, a product line that pairs NHL images and milestones with Upper Deck's e-pack platform. The Gavin McKenna #7 card captures him in celebration after his first NHL goal, giving collectors another early rookie card tied to a meaningful on-ice moment.

According to Upper Deck e-pack, the card is available for purchase through October 14, 2026, at 9:59 a.m. Pacific Time and is priced at $6.99. That makes it a readily available option for collectors who want a McKenna rookie card connected to a specific highlight from his season.

Related coverage includes Gavin McKenna Rookie Cards Surface in Series 1 SP and Moments Release.

Upper Deck Moments has been used to spotlight memorable NHL scenes, and this McKenna card fits that approach by focusing on the emotion surrounding a first goal. The image and context give the card a different feel from a standard rookie issue, while still placing McKenna among the early names to watch in the 2026-27 hockey card market.

Zickler also discussed the Moments release on the same Nonsense on Ice podcast episode, pointing to the reaction captured in the image and the atmosphere around the milestone. He noted the celebration and referenced Auston Matthews in the background, saying he appreciated the smile visible in the scene. He also described McKenna's first goal as the kind of moment Upper Deck wanted to build around, adding that there will likely be more to come from the young player.

Why These Cards Matter for Hockey Collectors

McKenna is already drawing major attention from collectors, and these two cards show how quickly his rookie-year market is beginning to take shape. The Series 1 SP-1 offers the appeal of a surprise off-checklist short print in Upper Deck's flagship hockey release, while the Moments card gives collectors a direct way to add a McKenna rookie tied to a specific NHL milestone.

For collectors who track rookie cards closely, the timing is notable. One card arrived as an unexpected addition to a major release, while the other was made available through e-pack with a defined purchase window. Together, they give the hobby two early McKenna options from Upper Deck before the broader 2026-27 hockey card season fully unfolds.

Upper Deck has not confirmed whether more McKenna cards or other off-list surprises will appear, so collectors will be watching future product breaks and checklist updates closely. For now, these two cards have already established McKenna as one of the most important rookie names to follow in the 2026-27 hockey card market.

What Collectors Know So Far

• Gavin McKenna has two newly surfaced Upper Deck rookie cards in the hobby.
• 2026-27 Upper Deck Series 1 Hockey includes an off-checklist SP-1 card featuring McKenna on draft night.
• 2026-27 Upper Deck Moments Gavin McKenna #7 shows him celebrating his first NHL goal.
• The Moments card is available through Upper Deck e-pack until October 14, 2026, at 9:59 a.m. Pacific Time.
• The listed price for the Moments card is $6.99.
• Upper Deck has not said whether more off-checklist McKenna cards will appear.

With a surprise flagship short print and a milestone-based Moments card already in circulation, McKenna's rookie card market is off to a fast start. Collectors will now be watching Upper Deck's next moves as the 2026-27 hockey season and card calendar continue to develop.