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One of the best personnel moves in the Capitals' early years was the one that brought center Guy Charron to Washington. Just prior to the opening of training camp for the 1976-77 season, the Capitals signed Charron to a free agent contract. As compensation, Washington sent winger Nelson Pyatt to the Colorado Rockies (née Kansas City Scouts).

Although Charron began his NHL career with Montreal in 1969-70, his stay there was brief before he was swapped to the Red Wings in the Jan., 1971 trade that sent Frank Mahovolich to the Canadiens. Charron enjoyed a 25-goal season with the Wings in 1973-74 before going over to Kansas City in a deal during the inaugural Scouts season. He scored 27 goals and posted 71 points for the Scouts in 1975-76, his best season to that point.
A smallish center known for his defensive and faceoff abilities, Charron blossomed into a consistent offensive threat with Washington. Charron played in all 80 games in each of his first three seasons with Washington, totaling 70 or more points in each campaign and amassing 36, 38 and 28 goals, respectively. He led the club in goals and in scoring in each of his first two seasons with the team, and was Washington's all-star representative in 1977.
Charron served as the Capitals' team captain in 1978-79, but various leg injuries limited his effectiveness and availability thereafter. A pulled high muscle took Charron out of the Washington lineup on Oct. 19, 1979, ending his franchise-high consecutive games played streak at 245.
Charron's contract was not renewed at the conclusion of the 1980-81 season, ending his NHL career. He did play two more seasons in Switzerland. After his playing days ended, Charron went into coaching.