The Kansas City Scouts remain one of the NHL’s most fascinating footnotes—a franchise that burned bright and brief in the mid-1970s before vanishing into hockey lore. Operating for just two tumultuous seasons from 1974 to 1976, the Scouts compiled a dismal 27-133 record, yet within that struggle emerged players whose talents transcended the team’s misfortunes. Though the franchise relocated to become the Colorado Rockies and eventually the New Jersey Devils, the legacy of those who wore the red, white, and blue in Kansas City deserves recognition. These five players stood above the rest during the franchise’s short existence, delivering memorable performances in an otherwise forgettable chapter of NHL history.
Wilf Paiement leads the top 5 Kansas City Scouts players of all time
As the second overall pick in the 1974 NHL Amateur Draft, Wilf Paiement became the franchise’s cornerstone and most impactful player. The rugged right winger from Earlton, Ontario, arrived with high expectations and delivered immediately. In his rookie campaign of 1974-75, Paiement appeared in 78 games and tied team captain Simon Nolet for the team lead with 26 goals while adding 39 points. His physical presence was equally notable, as he led the Scouts with 101 penalty minutes.
Paiement’s sophomore season showed continued growth despite missing time due to injury. Playing in 57 of 80 games during the 1975-76 campaign, he posted 21 goals and 43 points, finishing second on the team in both categories. His performance earned him selection to the 29th NHL All-Star Game in Philadelphia on January 20, 1976, giving the struggling franchise a rare moment in the spotlight.
The power forward’s impact extended beyond statistics. His combination of scoring touch and physical intimidation made him a genuine two-way threat. Paiement holds franchise records for goals (47) and penalty minutes (222) during the Scouts’ two-year existence. After Kansas City relocated, he continued his NHL career across seven different teams, ultimately playing 946 regular season games and scoring 356 career goals before retiring in 1988. Perhaps most notably, Paiement remained the last active player to have suited up for the Kansas City Scouts at the time of his retirement.
His physical style and scoring ability would have made him a valuable asset on any team, but for the expansion Scouts, Paiement represented hope for a better future that would ultimately materialize elsewhere. The franchise may have failed in Kansas City, but Paiement’s success vindicated the organization’s faith in selecting him so high in the draft.
Guy Charron’s offensive brilliance ranks second among Kansas City Scouts players of all time
Guy Charron arrived in Kansas City via trade from the Detroit Red Wings on December 15, 1974, and immediately elevated the Scouts’ offensive capabilities. The skilled center from Verdun, Quebec, brought NHL experience and playmaking ability that the expansion franchise desperately needed. In the deal that also brought defenseman Claude Houde to Kansas City, the Scouts surrendered Bart Crashley, Larry Giroux, and Ted Snell—none of whom amounted to much afterward, making this one of the few lopsided trades in Kansas City’s favor.
Despite joining the team partway through the 1974-75 season, Charron finished second in team scoring with 42 points (13 goals, 29 assists) in just 51 games. His vision and passing ability stood out on a roster largely devoid of elite skill. The following season, with a full campaign to showcase his talents, Charron exploded for career-defining numbers. His 27 goals, 44 assists, and 71 points all led the Scouts in 1975-76, marking the first of three 40-assist seasons in his career.
Charron’s statistical dominance during the Scouts’ brief existence cannot be overstated. He remains the franchise’s all-time leader in assists (73) and points (113)—the only player to crack the 100-point plateau while wearing the Kansas City uniform. His playmaking prowess generated five consecutive seasons of 35 or more assists spanning his time with the Scouts and beyond.
The offensive creativity Charron displayed transcended his surroundings. While many players wilted under the pressure of constant losing, Charron maintained excellence and consistency. His ability to create scoring chances from seemingly nothing gave fans something to cheer about during otherwise dreary seasons. After the franchise relocated, Charron continued his NHL journey, eventually transitioning into coaching. But his Kansas City tenure represents perhaps the most impressive individual offensive performance in franchise history, considering the limited supporting cast around him.
Denis Herron’s goaltending heroics place him third in Kansas City Scouts history
No position suffers more on a bad team than goaltender, and Denis Herron endured a baptism by fire with the Kansas City Scouts. The franchise initially struggled mightily in goal with the tandem of Michel Plasse and Peter McDuffe proving inadequate. Recognizing the crisis, Kansas City acquired Herron and defenseman Jean-Guy Lagace from the Pittsburgh Penguins on January 10, 1975, in exchange for Plasse—a transaction that immediately stabilized the position.
Herron appeared in 22 games following the trade, posting a 4-13-4 record while facing constant pressure. He stopped 687 of 767 shots for a respectable .896 save percentage, remarkable considering the defensive inadequacies in front of him. His 3.75 goals-against average that season stands as the only GAA below 4.00 in franchise history—a testament to both his ability and the team’s defensive struggles.
The 1975-76 season showcased Herron’s durability and determination. He led the entire NHL in shots faced (2,211) and saves (1,968) while appearing in 64 games. Those staggering totals reflect the defensive breakdowns that plagued Kansas City throughout its existence. Despite the onslaught, Herron managed an 11-39-11 record, keeping games competitive when they had no business being close. Without Herron’s heroics, the Scouts’ win and tie totals would have been far worse.
After leaving Kansas City, Herron’s career flourished, vindicating the Scouts’ faith in him. He played 10 more NHL seasons, winning the Vezina Trophy in 1981 and the William M. Jennings Trophy in 1982, both with the Montreal Canadiens. His success elsewhere proved that talent alone couldn’t overcome organizational dysfunction, but it also highlighted just how good Herron was during those difficult Kansas City years. He gave everything he had for a franchise that couldn’t reciprocate with defensive support or consistent goal scoring.
Simon Nolet’s leadership earns fourth place among the top Kansas City Scouts players
Simon Nolet arrived in Kansas City with a Stanley Cup ring and championship pedigree, having helped the Philadelphia Flyers win the Cup in 1973-74. The Scouts made him the fifth overall pick at the 1974 NHL Expansion Draft—the first skater selected after four goaltenders—and immediately named him team captain. The veteran right winger from Saint-Odilon, Quebec, brought experience and leadership to an expansion roster full of uncertainty.
Nolet’s inaugural season in Kansas City proved to be the finest of his career. He set personal bests with 26 goals, 32 assists, and 58 points in 1974-75, leading or tying for the team lead in all three categories. His offensive output provided stability and proved that expansion teams could still attract productive veterans. Nolet also secured his place in franchise lore by scoring the first goal in Scouts history—an October 9, 1974 tally against Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Doug Favell.
Recognition followed performance, as Nolet earned selection to the 1975 NHL All-Star Game as Kansas City’s lone representative. For a franchise starving for positive attention, Nolet’s All-Star nod provided validation and hope. His steady presence and scoring touch made him the face of the franchise during its difficult first season.
However, the Scouts’ pursuit of toughness led to Nolet’s departure. On January 8, 1976, Kansas City traded him along with Ed Gilbert and a first-round pick to Pittsburgh for Chuck Arnason, Steve Durbano, and a first-round selection. While the deal brought much-needed physical presence via Durbano, it cost the team its captain and most consistent scorer. Nolet’s 36 goals in a Scouts uniform remain third-most in franchise history, while his 83 points rank second only to Guy Charron. His leadership during the franchise’s formative months set a professional standard that younger players could emulate.
Gary Bergman rounds out the five greatest Kansas City Scouts players of all time
Gary Bergman brought veteran savvy and championship experience to Kansas City’s blue line when few defensemen wanted anything to do with the struggling franchise. At 37 years old, Bergman arrived via trade from the Detroit Red Wings on August 22, 1975, alongside goaltender Bill McKenzie in exchange for Peter McDuffe and Glen Burdon. The 1975-76 season would be Bergman’s last in the NHL after 11 previous campaigns, but he saved one of his finest performances for his Kansas City finale.
Bergman appeared in 75 of 80 games, providing stability and consistency on a defensive corps that desperately needed both. He tallied five goals and 33 assists for 38 points—leading all Scouts defensemen in scoring and finishing third overall among all team skaters. Those 33 assists represented a career-high for Bergman across his entire 12-year NHL career, a remarkable achievement for a player in his late thirties on such a defensively challenged team.
Beyond statistics, Bergman’s value came through mentorship and professionalism. He had played in the heat of playoff battles and understood what it took to compete at the highest level. For Kansas City’s young defensemen, Bergman served as a living textbook on positioning, gap control, and the mental aspects of playing defense. His work ethic and approach to the game set an example even as losses mounted.
The Kenora, Ontario native had been part of successful Detroit teams and understood winning cultures. While he couldn’t single-handedly transform Kansas City’s fortunes, Bergman brought credibility and experience to a roster otherwise lacking both. His willingness to finish his career with an expansion team, rather than chasing another Stanley Cup opportunity elsewhere, demonstrated character that transcended statistics. Bergman gave the Scouts everything he had in his final NHL season, cementing his place as the finest defenseman to wear their uniform.
The Kansas City Scouts’ brief NHL existence produced few victories but showcased legitimate talent struggling against overwhelming odds. These five players—Wilf Paiement, Guy Charron, Denis Herron, Simon Nolet, and Gary Bergman—represented the best of a franchise that never found its footing. Their individual accomplishments stand as reminders that even failed franchises can produce memorable performances and lasting legacies. While the Scouts relocated and eventually became the successful New Jersey Devils organization, the players who wore Kansas City’s colors deserve recognition for their perseverance and excellence in the face of constant adversity. Their contributions may not have translated into playoff appearances, but they provided entertainment and hope during two difficult seasons at Kemper Arena, ensuring that the Kansas City Scouts story includes moments of individual brilliance amid organizational struggle.
Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.