Cale Makar has been rewriting the NHL record books almost since the moment he first laced up his skates in Colorado. With two James Norris Trophies, a Conn Smythe, and a Stanley Cup already under his belt at just 26 years old, Makar’s meteoric rise has fans asking an almost unthinkable question:
Can Cale Makar eventually surpass Bobby Orr as the greatest defenseman in NHL history?
Let’s take a closer look.
The Orr Standard: A Legendary Legacy
Bobby Orr isn’t just the greatest defenseman in NHL history — he changed the very idea of what a defenseman could be. His resume remains jaw-dropping:
- 8 James Norris Trophies (consecutively!)
- 2 Art Ross Trophies (still the only defenseman to win it)
- 3 Hart Trophies (league MVP)
- 2 Conn Smythes
- 1 Lester B. Pearson Award
- 8 straight NHL First All-Star selections
- Inducted into the Hall of Fame at 31
He wasn’t just dominant — he revolutionized the position.
Makar: Off to a Historic Start
Makar’s six-year NHL career has already placed him in elite company:
- 2020 Calder Trophy (Rookie of the Year)
- 2 James Norris Trophies
- 5-time finalist for the Norris
- 2022 Conn Smythe Winner
- 2022 Stanley Cup Champion
No other active defenseman has matched his early-career impact. Since Nicklas Lidstrom, only Erik Karlsson (3) and Makar have won multiple Norris trophies. And with Makar still in his mid-20s, there’s room to climb even higher.
The Modern Era Factor
Comparing eras isn’t simple. Orr played in the Original Six era and early expansions, facing a league of fewer teams and smaller talent pools. Makar, on the other hand, is competing in a league with 32 teams, global scouting, and elite-level athletes at every position.
Training is year-round. Recovery science is advanced. Players are bigger, faster, and smarter. Makar is thriving in the most competitive version of the NHL we’ve ever seen — and standing out.
What Would It Take for Makar to Surpass Orr?
Let’s be realistic — surpassing Orr is the tallest mountain to climb in NHL history. But it may not be impossible. Here’s what Makar would likely need:
✅ At least 6–7 Norris Trophies
✅ A Hart Trophy (League MVP)
✅ Another Conn Smythe Trophy
✅ Multiple Stanley Cups
✅ Career totals of 1,000+ points and 350+ goals
That level of longevity and continued dominance would absolutely bring him into the conversation — and potentially ahead of Orr in terms of sustained excellence in the modern NHL.
The Next Chapter
With Quinn Hughes, Adam Fox, and Rasmus Dahlin chasing him, Makar still stands above the pack. If he continues at this pace for another 6–10 years, we may look back and see the true changing of the guard.
🗳️ POLL: Can Cale Makar Ever Surpass Bobby Orr as the Greatest Defenseman in NHL History?
🔘 Yes — he’s on pace and just needs time
🔘 Maybe — but he’ll need MVPs and more Cups
🔘 No — Orr’s legacy is untouchable
🔘 Too early to tell — let’s revisit in 5 years
Cast your vote and join the debate in the comments 👇
Let the GOAT defenseman conversation begin!
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