2026-27 Upper Deck Series 1 Hockey Review: Young Guns Lead Another Flagship Release

The start of another hockey card season means another Upper Deck Series 1 release, and more importantly for many collectors, another crop of Young Guns.

2026-27 Upper Deck Series 1 Hockey is currently scheduled to arrive in hobby shops on October 7, with retail formats following on October 21. The formula remains familiar: a large flagship base set, Young Guns rookie cards, UD Canvas, Dazzlers and a deep parallel lineup. Upper Deck has also added several new insert sets for 2026-27.

One important thing to understand before buying, though. Series 1 arrives too early for players selected in the 2026 NHL Draft to appear as Young Guns. Instead, the rookie checklist focuses on eligible players who debuted late in the 2025-26 season.