The debate around hockey's greatest defenseman invariably leads to Bobby Orr. His impact on the game was revolutionary, blending offensive prowess with defensive responsibility in a way never seen before. Now, with the emergence of Cale Makar, comparisons are naturally being drawn. Makar possesses a similar dynamic skill set, prompting the question: What would it take for Cale Makar to surpass the legend of Bobby Orr?

A Statistical Mountain to Climb

Bobby Orr's statistics are staggering, especially considering the era he played in. He holds the record for the most points in a season by a defenseman (139), most assists in a season by a defenseman (102), and the highest plus-minus in a season (+124). Orr also won a record eight consecutive Norris Trophies and three consecutive Hart Trophies. He is the only defenseman to have won the Art Ross Trophy as the league's leading scorer, a feat he accomplished twice. In just 657 NHL games, Orr amassed 270 goals and 645 assists for 915 points, averaging an incredible 1.39 points per game – the highest among all defensemen in NHL history.

Cale Makar, currently playing for the Colorado Avalanche, has rapidly established himself as one of the league's premier defensemen. As of the current date, June 18, 2025, Makar's trajectory is impressive. He already has a Norris Trophy, a Conn Smythe Trophy, and a Stanley Cup to his name. Makar led all NHL defensemen this season with 92 points (30 goals, 62 assists). Makar's regular-season numbers are impressive as well. His 428 points (116 goals, 312 assists) lead all NHL defensemen since he played his first regular-season game during the 2019-20 season. And all-time among defensemen to play at least 150 games, Makar's average of 1.08 points per game is third, behind Orr (1.39) and Paul Coffey (1.09). While Makar's points-per-game pace is exceptional, he still has a significant gap to close to match Orr's career average.

To surpass Orr statistically, Makar would need to maintain his current high level of production for many more seasons. Longevity will be a key factor. Orr's career was cut short due to knee injuries, limiting him to just 12 NHL seasons. If Makar can play at an elite level for 15+ seasons, he would have a better chance of accumulating the raw numbers necessary to challenge Orr's records.

Dominance and Accolades

Beyond raw statistics, dominance in his era and consistent recognition through major awards will be crucial for Makar. Orr's eight Norris Trophies stand as a testament to his sustained excellence. Makar, with one Norris to his name so far, needs to continue winning the award multiple times to be considered in the same class as Orr. He would also need to add more Hart Trophies and Conn Smythe Trophies to his collection.

Another important factor is Stanley Cup success. Orr led the Boston Bruins to two Stanley Cups, cementing his legacy as a winner. Makar already has one Stanley Cup, but multiple championships would further enhance his case. Leading the Avalanche to sustained success over the next decade would be a significant boost to his reputation.

Revolutionizing the Game

Bobby Orr didn't just excel statistically; he revolutionized the way the defenseman position was played. His skating ability, offensive instincts, and playmaking skills transformed the role of a defenseman from primarily a defensive one to a dynamic, two-way force.

For Makar to surpass Orr, he would need to have a similar transformative impact on the game. While Makar is already pushing the boundaries of what a defenseman can do, it remains to be seen if he can inspire a fundamental shift in the way the position is played, as Orr did.

The Intangibles: Leadership and Inspiration

Finally, there are the intangible qualities that contribute to a player's legacy. Orr was known for his leadership, his character, and his ability to inspire his teammates. Makar would need to demonstrate similar qualities to truly surpass Orr.

Ultimately, whether Cale Makar can surpass Bobby Orr is a question that will be answered over the course of his career. He possesses the talent, the skill, and the drive to be one of the all-time greats. But surpassing Bobby Orr requires not just statistical dominance, but also a transformative impact on the game and the kind of leadership and inspiration that defines a true legend. It's a monumental task, but one that Makar is certainly capable of pursuing.