Boston Bruins: Bobby Orr’s influence still felt 40 years later
On Bobby Orr’s 70th birthday, it’s easy to see the fingerprints of the Boston Bruins legend all over the NHL
Today’s defensemen in the NHL are expected to be mobile. They’re often required to contribute on both ends of the ice and move the puck capably. But things weren’t always like that. One man helped change things for the better – Boston Bruins defenseman Bobby Orr. On his 70th birthday, it’s appropriate to reflect on the impact he had on the NHL and still does to this day.
Orr is perhaps most famous for winning eight Norris Trophies, the most of any defensemen. All eight of those awards for being the best defenseman were won consecutively from 1967 to 1975.
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To this day, Orr is still the only blueliner to lead the NHL in points. And he did so twice (1969-70 and 1974-75). He also won three Hart Trophies, an impressive feat considering how the league’s MVP award has rarely been kind to defensemen.
Most importantly, Orr forever changed how defensemen played the game. Doug Harvey was the first to push the puck up the ice, so he deserves credit. But Orr was the first blueliner to consistently join in rushes and act almost like a forward on offense. At the same time, he was reliable defensively.
Back then, teams had no idea how to stop Orr. And to be fair to them, teams had no experience trying to stop such a dynamic defenseman. Sadly, Orr’s knees gave out fairly early in his career, as he was forced to retire after merely 12 seasons (nine full ones). Much like Johnny Unitas ended his career with the San Diego Chargers, Bobby ended his with a forgettable tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks.
Even past his playing days, Orr has remained a champion for NHL players. He helped take down his agent Alan Eagleson, who took advantage of him and left him bankrupt. Orr also helped expose the issues with the NHL’s pension plan. Later, he became an agent himself, representing numerous stars.
Perhaps no hockey player in history is as beloved and respected as Orr. Not only was he one of the best players, he was also one of the kindest and most humble. Orr constantly put the spotlight on his deserving teammates rather than let it shine on him. Whenever a teammate or player has needed help, he has usually been there to offer it.
It’s easy to see Orr’s fingerprints on today’s NHL. Every time I watch Erik Karlsson dance around the ice with the puck, I see a little bit off Bobby. Each time you see a defenseman pinch in the offensive zone, somewhere out there, Orr’s smiling.
Hockey’s gentlest superstar remains a hero in Boston and around the sport. Even though Orr didn’t have a long career, he made the most of every second he was in the NHL. And the league is far better thanks to him.