Bobby Orr is one of the greatest hockey players of all time—period. Although his career was cut short by knee injuries, his legacy remains unmatched. Orr revolutionized the game, especially for defensemen, and his knowledge of hockey surpasses that of most. In a 2013 interview, details from his first contract came to light—offering valuable insights that today’s young players could learn from.
Orr’s resume is staggering: two Stanley Cups, two Conn Smythe Trophies, three Hart Trophies, and two Art Ross Trophies as a defenseman. The numbers he put up during his 11 seasons in the NHL seem almost impossible, yet they’re very real. He changed the way defensemen played the game. Without Bobby Orr, there would be no Erik Karlsson or Cale Makar.
Bobby Orr’s first contract
An exceptional talent from an early age, Orr was signed by the Boston Bruins when he was just 14 years old. Because of his age, he had to wait four years before joining the Bruins for the 1966–67 season—where he made an immediate impact, winning the Calder Trophy after scoring 41 points (13 goals and 28 assists) in 61 games.
Before his NHL debut, Orr spent four seasons with the Oshawa Generals in Ontario. In the Maclean’s interview, Orr recalled his early years and revealed the details of his first contract with the Generals: his father received a used car, the family home got stucco work, and Bobby got a new suit. His first NHL contract was worth $25,000 per year, plus a $5,000 signing bonus.
”Settle down”
Reflecting on the contrast between his time and today’s game, Orr said:
”We talk about it sometimes. Back then, that was pretty good. But now they have rookie parties where the rookies have to buy. I think they spend that much on rookie nights. When you’re young you don’t realize the sacrifices that people are making for you—your parents. We weren’t well off, and I had two brothers and two sisters. Sometimes, we put these kids on a pedestal so early they begin to think they’re entitled. That’s bad. That’s where we as adults have to step up and say, ‘Settle down.’”
Wise words from a true legend. There’s no doubt that today’s young players could benefit from listening to Bobby Orr.
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