Upper Deck 2 of a Kind NHL inserts debut in O-Pee-Chee

Upper Deck unveils 2 of a Kind NHL inserts

Upper Deck is adding a new twist to hockey card collecting with 2 of a Kind, an NHL insert program built around matching cards shared between collectors and players. The concept gives each featured player one version of the card while the other version is inserted into packs, creating a direct link between the collector and the athlete.

According to Upper Deck, the idea was designed to heighten the excitement of pulling a rare card while also strengthening the connection between collectors and their favorite NHL stars. Each card in the program is one of only two made for that player, making the public version a true one-of-two collectible.

How the 2 of a Kind concept works

For every player included in the checklist, Upper Deck creates two matching cards. One card, identified as the 1-of-2 version, is given to the player. The other, the 2-of-2 version, is placed into the product for collectors to chase.

That setup means a collector who pulls a 2 of a Kind card is not only landing a scarce insert, but also owning the companion card to one that exists in the hands of the player himself. Upper Deck says the program is intended to create memorable reactions and interactions around the cards for years to come.

Checklist and design details

2 of a Kind will be a continuous set with an extensive 100-card NHL checklist each year. Upper Deck says the cards will feature a metallic foilboard front with a rose gold substrate on the back.

The set is being positioned as an ongoing annual program rather than a one-time insert. That gives collectors a new chase each year while keeping the same core concept intact across future releases.

Debut in 2026-27 O-Pee-Chee

The first 2 of a Kind inserts will appear in 2026-27 O-Pee-Chee, which is scheduled to release around the 2027 NHL All-Star Weekend. The cards will be available directly from both hobby and retail products, and Upper Deck says there will be no redemptions involved.

That means collectors will be able to pull the cards straight from packs rather than waiting on a replacement process. The insert will be part of the product at launch, giving both hobby and retail buyers a chance to find one.

Player connection and collector experience

Upper Deck President Jason Masherah said the program was built around the appeal of rare cards and the company’s effort to connect collectors with players.

“The feeling of pulling a rare card of your favorite player is unique, and it's hard to recreate. That, plus our constant goal of trying to connect collectors with their favorite players, was the basis for 2 of a Kind,” Masherah said. “With only two cards being created of each player, them getting one and a collector getting the other, we can't wait to see the reactions and interactions this program brings for years to come.”

The matching-card format gives the insert a built-in story beyond scarcity. Each card has a counterpart tied directly to the featured NHL player, which adds an unusual layer to the chase and may make the public version especially appealing to player collectors.

Chance to meet the matching player

Upper Deck also says collectors will be able to submit their card for a chance to meet the NHL player with the matching version. That added element gives the insert a player-specific experience that extends beyond the card itself.

With the 2 of 2 card available to the public and the 1 of 2 card held by the player, the program creates a rare collector-player pairing that is built into the structure of the set from the start.

What collectors should know about the release

2 of a Kind is a new Upper Deck NHL insert program.
Each featured player will have only two matching cards created.
The 1-of-2 card goes to the player and the 2-of-2 card goes into packs.
The set will have a 100-card NHL checklist each year.
Cards feature a metallic foilboard front and rose gold substrate on the back.
The debut is planned for 2026-27 O-Pee-Chee.
The insert will be available in both hobby and retail products.
Upper Deck says there will be no redemptions.
Collectors may be able to submit their card for a chance to meet the matching player.

As Upper Deck prepares the first release, 2 of a Kind stands out as one of the more unusual NHL insert ideas in recent memory, combining scarcity, player ownership, and a direct collector connection in a single annual chase.