Bobby Orr retires from the NHL in 1978
November 8th, 1978, defenseman Bobby Orr retired from the NHL.
44 years ago today, the Boston Bruins legend emotionally called it quits after just 12 seasons and a few months before his 31st birthday. After 10 years and 631 games with the Bruins, Orr signed with the Chicago Blackhawks on June 8th, 1976, but his injuries limited him to only 26 games over the next three seasons.
By 1978, he had undergone over a dozen surgical procedures on his knees and could barely walk, let alone skate. After trying to make a comeback in the 1978-79 season, Orr played just six games before calling it quits. He scored his last NHL goal and point on October 28th, 1978, against the Detroit Red Wings.
Orr finished his career with 657 games, 270 goals and 645 assists and was the leading defenseman in league history in goals, assists and points at the time of his retirement.
NHL legend Gordie Howe on Orr's retirement:
The Hockey Hall of Fame waived the normal three-year waiting period for Orr's induction, and at the age of 31, he was the youngest player living at the time of his induction in NHL history.
| POLL | ||
How many more points would Bobby Orr record if he continued his career? (around 700 more games) | ||
| 500 to 700 | 13 | 18.8 % |
| 700 to 900 | 17 | 24.6 % |
| 900 to 1000 | 12 | 17.4 % |
| 1000+ | 27 | 39.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
