2025-26 Artifacts Hockey Set Review and Checklist
 | $122.95 |  |
2025-26 Upper Deck Artifacts Hockey Set: Detailed Review and Breakdown
The 2025-26 Upper Deck Artifacts Hockey set marks another exciting entry in Upper Deck's long-running premium NHL trading card line, known for blending nostalgia, high-end hits, and rookie chases. Released on September 24, 2025—just one day after the current date—this set builds on the Artifacts tradition of focusing on autographs, game-used memorabilia, and innovative inserts while incorporating elements tied to NHL history and the upcoming season's rookies. With a strong emphasis on serial-numbered parallels and redemption-based rookie content (due to NHLPA rules delaying on-card rookie images until after debuts), Artifacts appeals to both veteran collectors and those hunting for the next big star like Macklin Celebrini or Ivan Demidov.
In this detailed review, I'll break down the set's configuration, base cards, parallels, inserts, variations, and more, drawing from the official checklist and product details. Overall, Artifacts 2025-26 delivers solid value for hobbyists with its guaranteed hits and chase elements, though blaster boxes feel more entry-level. Let's dive in.
Box Configuration and Pull Odds
Artifacts is available in Hobby and Blaster formats, with Hobby boxes offering the best odds for premium content.
- Hobby Box: 8 packs per box, 4 cards per pack (32 cards total). Average hits: 8 per box, including 3 autograph, memorabilia, or tech inserts; 1 Rookie Redemption or Clear Cut acetate insert; and 4 serial-numbered base cards or parallels.
- Blaster Box: 6 packs per box, 4 cards per pack (24 cards total). Hits are less guaranteed, with odds skewed toward base parallels like Sky Blue (1:1 per pack) and fewer premium inserts.
Pull odds vary by pack type (Hobby vs. Blaster), with Hobby providing better chances for autos and relics. For example, base cards average 3 per pack in both formats, but inserts like Antiquity (1:80 Hobby) or Auto Facts (1:40 Hobby) are rarer in Blasters (e.g., 1:240 for Antiquity). This setup makes Hobby boxes ideal for serious collectors, averaging around $150-200 retail, while Blasters (~$25-30) suit casual fans.
Base Set Overview
The base set totals 250 cards (though some sources list 240; the official checklist confirms 250), divided into thematic subsets for variety. Cards feature sharp photography, foil accents, and team-specific designs, with a mix of veterans, stars, and legends.
| Subset | Card Numbers | Print Run | Description & Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veterans | 1-100 | Unlimited | Current players like Rasmus Dahlin (#1, Buffalo Sabres), Steven Stamkos (#6, Nashville Predators), and Quinn Hughes (#61, Vancouver Canucks). |
| Stars | 101-135 | /699 | Elite talents such as Nick Suzuki (#101, Montreal Canadiens), Connor Bedard (#131, Chicago Blackhawks), and Nathan MacKinnon (#134, Colorado Avalanche). Includes short prints (SPs) like Auston Matthews (#103-SP, /34). |
| Goalies | 136-150 | /699 | Netminders including Connor Hellebuyck (#136, Winnipeg Jets) and Andrei Vasilevskiy (#140, Tampa Bay Lightning). |
| Greats (Legends) | 151-170 | /599 (some /699) | Retired icons like Henrik Sedin (#152, Vancouver Canucks), Teemu Selanne (#166, Colorado Avalanche), and Chris Chelios (#168, Detroit Red Wings). |
| Rookies | 171-200 | /999 | Prospects like Ivan Demidov (#174, Montreal Canadiens), Macklin Celebrini (#42 in veterans, but rookies include Zeev Buium #186, Minnesota Wild). |
| Rookie Redemptions | RED-201 to RED-250 | Unlimited (redemptions) | Team-based (e.g., RED-201 Anaheim Ducks) and Wild Cards for unassigned rookies. Redeemable for actual rookie cards post-debut. |
The base set's strength lies in its balance—veterans provide accessibility, while numbered subsets add chase value. Odds: Random inserts in Hobby packs, with 3 base cards per pack overall.
Parallels and Variations
Artifacts shines with its extensive parallel lineup, offering colorful, low-numbered chases. Most apply to base cards 1-200, with variations including autographs and memorabilia. Here's a breakdown:
- Color Parallels: Ruby (/599), Lime Green (/125), Jade Green (/100, Blaster exclusive), Platinum Sparkle (/99), Copper (/75), Yellow (/50), Metallic Blue (/40), Pink (/35), Purple (/25), Rose Gold (/15), Emerald’s Glow (/10), Black (/5), Masterful Artifacts (/1).
- Example: Connor McDavid (#109-SP, /97 in Stars subset) or Sidney Crosby (#107-SP, /87).
- Blaster Exclusives: Sky Blue (unlimited for 1-100; rarer for others like Stars 1:10 Blaster) and Jade Green (/100).
- Example: Auston Matthews Sky Blue Parallel (#103, Toronto Maple Leafs).
- Autograph Parallels: Gold Auto, Emerald Auto (/ varying, e.g., /5 for Black), Material Gold (/299 to /99 varying by subset).
- Example: Alex Ovechkin Auto Material Gold (#116-SP, /8 in Stars).
- Memorabilia Parallels: Material Gold (jersey swatches, /499 to /99), Premium Material (patches, /25 to /5).
- Example: Nathan MacKinnon Material Gold (#134, /99).
- Short Prints (SPs): Integrated into Stars subset, like Leon Draisaitl (#108-SP, /29).
- Odds: Random in Hobby, with lower-numbered parallels being ultra-rare (e.g., Black /5 at extreme odds).
These parallels encourage box-breaking, as even base hits can yield value. Analysis: The rainbow of colors (e.g., Purple /25) adds visual appeal, but the sheer number (over 15 types) can overwhelm completionists. Compared to prior years, the addition of Blaster exclusives broadens accessibility.
Inserts: Breakdown and Examples
Inserts are the heart of Artifacts, with themes ranging from historical tributes to tech-heavy designs. Most are random in Hobby (better odds) and Blaster packs.
| Insert Set | Details & Odds | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Antiquity | Glass-inspired design, / varying. 1:80 Hobby. | Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers), Alex Ovechkin (Washington Capitals). Rookies variant 1:160 Hobby, e.g., Ivan Demidov (Montreal Canadiens). |
| Aurum (Bounty Program) | Gold Light FX, 1:20 Hobby. Scratch-off codes for online bounty rewards (complete 48-card set for prizes like dual autos). Tiers: Base (1-30), Rookies (31-40), All-Stars/Greats (41-50). | Connor McDavid (Tier 1 Rookie SP, 1:100), Wayne Gretzky (Greats, 1:300). Parallels: Dark Gray (/25 to /10). |
| Auto Facts | Retro autos, 1:40 Hobby. | Short, fun inscriptions like "Boom!" on cards for players like Brady Tkachuk (Ottawa Senators). |
| Bleuprints | /24, Montreal Canadiens legends focus. | Patrick Roy, Guy Lafleur. |
| Clear Cut | Acetate inserts. 2024-25 Update (1:40 Hobby), 2025-26 Rookies (1:54 Hobby). | Macklin Celebrini (XRC, San Jose Sharks), Matvei Michkov (Philadelphia Flyers). |
| Desert Dogs Relics | Arizona Coyotes (now Utah) tributes, /96 jersey, Premium /25 patch. | Shane Doan, Jeremy Roenick. |
| Esteemed Endorsements | /28 hard-signed. | Marian Hossa (Chicago Blackhawks), Nicklas Lidstrom (Detroit Red Wings). |
| History Lesson Signatures | Paired legend/current star autos (combine for full image), 1:120 Hobby. SPs/SSPs. | Bryan Trottier/Anders Lee (New York Islanders, HL-5A/B). |
| NHL Remnants | Jersey relics, 1:28 Hobby. Premium /25 patch. | Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers), Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins). |
| Puck Luck | Game-used puck slices, /4. | Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs), Kirill Kaprizov (Minnesota Wild). |
| Signature Apparel | Auto + patch, /36 to /12. | Wyatt Johnston (Dallas Stars, /36). |
| Signs of Success | Autos, /49 to /15. | Connor Bedard (/15, Chicago Blackhawks), Jack Hughes (/49, New Jersey Devils). |
| Threads of Time | Jersey relics from past teams, 1:100 Hobby. Premium /25 patch. | Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks), Steven Stamkos (Tampa Bay Lightning). |
| Top Tier Rookie Signatures | Rookie autos, 1:1000 Hobby. SPs noted. | Macklin Celebrini (San Jose Sharks, SP), Ivan Demidov (Montreal Canadiens, SP). |
| Tundra Teammates | Duos (/99 jersey, Premium /25 patch), Quads (/49 jersey, Premium /10 patch). | McDavid/Draisaitl Duo (Edmonton Oilers), Caufield/Suzuki/Cole/Huhle Quad (Montreal Canadiens). |
New inserts like Puck Luck and History Lesson Signatures add fresh appeal, tying into NHL lore. The Aurum Bounty program is a standout, rewarding set completion with exclusive cards and prizes (e.g., first 3 completers get a 12-card Aurum set + dual auto).
Autographs and Memorabilia Analysis
Autos are hard-signed where possible, with hits like Admirable Impressions (/24 auto-patch) and Orchestrators Signatures (/25). Memorabilia includes unique relics: Arena Artifacts (/67, Colisée de Québec pieces with Nordiques legends), Benchmarks (Madison Square Garden bench swatches), and Jersey Retirement Night Tickets (/10). Pros: High-quality materials; cons: Some redemptions delay gratification.
Rookie Content: A Key Chase
With 30 printed rookies (/999) and 50 redemptions, rookies dominate the hype. Standouts: Macklin Celebrini (#42 base, #223 Clear Cut XRC), Artyom Levshunov (Top Tier Sig). Redemptions cover all 32 teams + wild cards, redeemable for parallels, autos, or relics post-debut. This system builds anticipation but can frustrate if delays occur.
Overall Review and Analysis
Artifacts 2025-26 earns a strong 8.5/10. Strengths: Diverse hits (8/box in Hobby), innovative inserts (Puck Luck's rarity is thrilling), and the Bounty program's community engagement. The historical ties (e.g., Desert Dogs for relocated Coyotes) add depth. Weaknesses: Heavy reliance on redemptions for top rookies, and Blasters feel diluted. Value-wise, it's competitive with sets like Series 1, offering better premium odds but at a higher price point. For collectors, focus on Hobby for max enjoyment—chase those /1 Masterful Artifacts or complete Aurum for bounty glory. If you're into NHL history and high-end pulls, this set is a winner heading into the 2025-26 season.
Card Gallery:
Checklist:
2025-2026 Artifacts Checklist - FINAL[4]
Here are the top deals on Hobby boxes currently listed on eBay.
| 2025-26 UPPER DECK ARTIFACTS HOCKEY SEALED HOBBY BOX | $70.94 | |
| 2025/26 UPPER DECK ARTIFACTS HOCKEY HOBBY BOX | $122.95 | |
| 2025/26 Upper Deck Artifacts Hockey Hobby Box Stock #253524 | $119.00 | |
| 2025/26 Upper Deck Artifacts Hockey Hobby Box - RIPPED LIVE ONLY | $129.99 | |
| 2025/26 Upper Deck Artifacts Hockey Hobby Box | $130.99 | |
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