Net Worth Ranker
What Is Bobby Orr’s Net Worth?
Bobby Orr, a celebrated retired Canadian ice hockey player, has a net worth estimated at $5 million. While his talent and career achievements might suggest a significantly larger fortune, reports indicate that financial mismanagement by a former agent led to considerable debt and near bankruptcy. His 12 seasons in the NHL, primarily with the Boston Bruins and later with the Chicago Black Hawks, helped to reshape the role of the defenseman in hockey. He notably secured a record eight consecutive Norris Trophies and three consecutive Hart Trophies, accolades recognizing him as the league’s most valuable player.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on March 20, 1948, in Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada, Bobby Orr’s early life was deeply rooted in hockey. His mother was Arva, and his father, Doug, a World War II veteran of the Royal Canadian Navy, nurtured his hockey aspirations. Growing up as one of five siblings, Orr displayed remarkable hockey talent from a young age. At five, a year after receiving his first pair of skates, he began playing organized hockey in the “minor squirt” division. Initially playing as a forward and later transitioning to defense, his skills quickly garnered attention. His performance in Ontario provincial competitions drew the eyes of NHL scouts, leading to his recruitment by the Oshawa Generals, a junior hockey affiliate of the Boston Bruins, at the age of 14. During this period, Orr relocated to Oshawa, attended R. S. McLaughlin High School, and resided with a local family. Throughout his junior career, Orr’s offensive statistics consistently improved, earning him a spot on the OHA First-All Star team. When Bobby turned 16, his father, Doug, initially sought a higher financial commitment from the Bruins but was unsuccessful. Consequently, Doug enlisted the help of Toronto lawyer Alan Eagleson, who agreed to represent the family pro bono and cultivated a strong rapport with Orr. Following several offers, Orr and the Bruins finalized an agreement that included a $25,000 signing bonus and a two-year contract, positioning Bobby as the highest-paid rookie in the league’s history.
Career with the Bruins
Orr’s professional journey with the Boston Bruins commenced in the 1966-1967 season. During his inaugural season, Orr showcased his prowess by scoring 13 goals and providing 28 assists, earning him the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league’s top rookie. In his second season, although limited to 46 games due to injuries, he secured the first of his eight consecutive Norris Trophies and was named to the NHL’s First All-Star team. Despite ongoing injury challenges in the subsequent season, he scored 21 goals and amassed 64 points, setting a new single-season record for a defenseman. In the 1969-1970 season, Orr narrowly missed breaking a league record by scoring 120 points and clinched his first of three consecutive Hart Trophies. He then led the Bruins through the 1970 playoffs, contributing nine goals and 11 assists. This culminated in May with Orr’s historic goal, securing Boston’s first Stanley Cup since 1941. The following season, the Bruins achieved numerous records, with Orr finishing second in the league with 139 points and setting a record for points in a season by a defenseman. After signing a new five-year contract in 1971 – the first million-dollar contract in NHL history – Bobby again came in second in points with 117. The subsequent year saw him lead the Bruins to another Stanley Cup victory against New York. During the 1973-1974 season, Orr guided the team to another first-place finish and reached the Stanley Cup final, where they were ultimately defeated by Philadelphia. In the following season, Bobby broke his own record for goals scored by a defenseman, with 46. Orr’s final season with the Bruins was in 1975-1976, which was cut short due to a knee injury.
Chicago Black Hawks and Retirement
After a brief stint as a free agent, Orr entered into a five-year, $3 million contract with the Chicago Black Hawks in 1976. Despite ongoing issues with his knee, the team allowed Orr to participate in the 1976 Canada Cup tournament for Team Canada, where his performance led to him being named the tournament’s MVP. However, his injuries continued to restrict his playing time with the Black Hawks. He was forced to miss the entire 1977-1978 season and participated in only six games in 1978-1979. In 1978, he marked his final NHL goal against Detroit at Olympia Stadium. By the time of his retirement, Orr had accumulated 270 goals and 645 assists, totaling 915 points across 657 games. At the time, he held the leading defenseman position in terms of goals, assists, and points. Subsequently, the Hockey Hall of Fame waived its usual three-year waiting period to induct Orr at the young age of 31, making him the youngest living player ever to be inducted.
Post-Playing Career
Following his retirement from the NHL, Orr briefly served as an assistant coach for the Black Hawks and later consulted with the Hartford Whalers. He then returned to the Boston area and co-founded Can-Am Enterprises with Paul Shanley and Tom Kelly. In 1996, Orr transitioned into player representation, acquiring the Woolf Associates agency and rebranding it as the Orr Hockey Group in partnership with Rick Curran and Paul Krepelka. Since his retirement, Orr has frequently participated in ceremonial first puck drops for the Bruins. In 2013, he released his autobiography, “Orr: My Story,” which quickly became a bestseller, debuting in the top ten of “The New York Times” nonfiction list. His net worth is at $5 million.
Personal Life and Habits
In 1973, Orr married speech therapist Margaret Wood, and they have two sons, Darren and Brent. He is also the grandfather to Alexis and Robert. Orr’s personal interests include fishing, a hobby he has enjoyed since childhood. During his time living with Bruins trainer and roommate John Forristall, Orr was known for maintaining a clean apartment and abstaining from drinking, smoking, and nightlife.
