Denis Herron (born June 18, 1952) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Kansas City Scouts, and Montreal Canadiens.
Early Life and Junior Career
Herron was born in Brantford, Ontario. He played his junior hockey for the Sorel Black Hawks in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) from 1969 to 1972. During his time with Sorel, he was a standout performer, demonstrating the skills that would later define his professional career. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 6th round, 97th overall, of the 1972 NHL Amateur Draft.Playing Career
Herron began his professional career in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Hershey Bears before making his NHL debut with the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 1972–73 season. He played intermittently for the Penguins over several seasons before being traded to the Kansas City Scouts during the 1974–75 season.Following the Scouts' relocation and rebranding as the Colorado Rockies, Herron was traded back to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1976. It was during his second stint with the Penguins that he established himself as a prominent NHL goaltender. His most successful individual season came in 1979–80, when he posted a 25–26–10 record with a 3.01 goals-against average (GAA) and was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the league's best goaltender. He also participated in the 1978 NHL All-Star Game.
In 1977, Herron was traded to the Montreal Canadiens. Although primarily serving as a backup, he was part of the Canadiens' Stanley Cup championship teams in 1978 and 1979, getting his name engraved on the Cup in 1979.
Herron later returned to the Pittsburgh Penguins for a third time, playing until 1982. In the 1981–82 season, he shared the William M. Jennings Trophy with Rick Wamsley, awarded to the goaltenders of the team with the fewest goals allowed (minimum 25 games played for each). He then finished his NHL career with another stint with the Montreal Canadiens, retiring after the 1985–86 season.
Career Statistics
Herron played 462 NHL regular-season games, compiling a record of 171 wins, 199 losses, and 69 ties, along with 14 shutouts. His career goals-against average was 3.65.Awards and Achievements
- Stanley Cup Champion: 1979 (Montreal Canadiens)
- NHL All-Star Game: 1978
- William M. Jennings Trophy: 1982 (shared with Rick Wamsley)
- Vezina Trophy Finalist: 1980