Giroux will be part of helping the next generation of kids build their hockey card collections. But rather than buying them in bubble gum packs at the convenience store, the cards will be digital.
Giroux is the cover athlete for Topps NHL Skate 2017, which fans can download to their tablet or smart device. They can collect and trade their cards online, as well as participate in contests to earn more cards and buy packs that feature exclusive card designs.
There are new cards released daily, including special video cards that feature individual player highlights embedded in the card.
That's one of the elements that appealed to Giroux, as did being able to interact with fans online.
"When I saw how it was going to be digital and be online and people would be able to trade them and play, also the idea of having the actual card and then you can see the video of the card, I think that's a great idea," Giroux said. "I just wanted to be part of it."
With more kids getting online earlier, Giroux also is looking forward to helping the next generation of hockey fans learn more about their favorite players.
"I just put myself in their shoes when I was a kid," he said. "Just being able to be part of it, that was a good experience for me. … To be able to have kids with the players on their iPhone or iPad to keep, that makes it more cool for them."
Giroux has signed cards digitally that fans can buy or find in packs.
"I've signed a couple already," he said. "It's pretty cool. You can buy a card and the player signs it and you can see the player signing the card. Kids like to try players' signatures sometimes, so it'll be a good way for them to try it."
A few of Giroux's teammates have seen the app but said Giroux's card might not be the one they were hoping to find.
"Probably Jake [Jakub Voracek]," goaltender Steve Mason said. "I've known him for so long, we've gone through so much together. He'd be a great person to have his hockey card."
Center Nick Cousins suggested one of Giroux's linemates, forward Michael Raffl.
"I'd love to have one of his, a shiny Raffl card," Cousins said. "That would be one of the ones I'd be looking for."
If fans get Voracek or Raffl cards but would rather have a Giroux card, they're going to have a chance to get one from the man himself. Giroux wouldn't reveal what his user name is, but said he's looking forward to making trades to build his collection.
"When you're part of something you want to live the full experience," he said. "I plan on doing that so it should be good."
