The sell sheets for 2021-22 O-Pee-Chee hit the web today, affording us the first info about the upcoming release. Things are staying markedly similar to the 2020-21 release as far as configuration of the set, hobby boxes, and inserts. One significant change is the planned release date—instead of a usual October release, the set is tentatively scheduled to come out on January 26.
Playing cards return for a sixth straight year, and O-Pee-Chee Premier Tallboys are back for a second straight year. I think the inserts were due for a bigger refresh than they got. The base design looks pretty sharp (it reminds me of 2015-16 O-Pee-Chee). Blue and red border base parallels are back, and a new neon green border parallel, numbered to 50, joins the lineup.
The thing I’m most excited about from the sell sheets is the look of the retro variations. I’ve loved almost every single OPC retro design Upper Deck has come up with since 2009-10, but last year was a bit of a let-down, so I’m happy to see a return to form with this lively design and bright colors.
The set will only feature 35 rookie cards, which is surprising since there are plenty of rookies available to fill out the usual 50 rookie cards found in OPC. The main rookies we can expect to see include Cole Caufield, Trevor Zegras, Quinton Byfield, Jamie Drysdale, and Spencer Knight.
What are your initial thoughts on the set?
I like them a lot. OPC is an awesome brand for old school collectors who like getting the whole set!