Wilf Paiement, a Canadian professional ice hockey player, spent his career primarily as a right winger in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on October 16, 1955, in Earlton, Ontario, Paiement was known for his physical style of play and scoring ability. He was drafted second overall by the Kansas City Scouts in the 1974 NHL Amateur Draft, marking the beginning of his journey in the league.
Paiement's early years in the NHL were with the Kansas City Scouts, a team that struggled during its brief existence. Despite the team's challenges, Paiement quickly established himself as a reliable player, demonstrating his scoring prowess. In the 1976-77 season, the franchise relocated and became the Colorado Rockies, where Paiement continued to be a leading player. His time with the Rockies was marked by consistent offensive production, and he became one of the team's standout players.
In 1979, Paiement was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he continued to be a strong presence on the ice. During his tenure with the Maple Leafs, he was known for his aggressive play and ability to contribute offensively. Paiement's time in Toronto was highlighted by his participation in the 1980 NHL All-Star Game, a testament to his skills and performance during that period.
After his stint with the Maple Leafs, Paiement was traded to the Quebec Nordiques in 1982. With the Nordiques, he continued to be a valuable player, contributing both in scoring and physical play. His experience and leadership were assets to the team, and he played a key role in helping the Nordiques reach the playoffs during his time there.
In 1984, Paiement was traded to the New York Rangers, where he played for a brief period before being traded again to the Buffalo Sabres. His time with the Sabres was short-lived, and he eventually found himself with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Throughout these transitions, Paiement maintained his reputation as a hard-working and reliable player.
Paiement's career in the NHL concluded after the 1987-88 season. Over the course of his career, he played in over 900 NHL games, scoring more than 350 goals and accumulating over 800 points. Known for his toughness and scoring ability, Paiement left a lasting impression on the teams he played for and the fans who watched him.
🏒