San Jose Sharks Raffi Torres To Have NHL Hearing
The San Jose Sharks may be without forward Raffi Torres for another period of time. Unfortunately, this time may be for something he’s become notorious for: a borderline hit to the head of his opponent.
The NHL Department of Player Safety announced that they will have a hearing with Torres today for an illegal check to the head of Anaheim Ducks forward Jakob Silfverberg, which occurred during San Jose’s 5-1 loss against Anaheim in the final game of the preseason on Saturday. Torres received a match penalty on the play.
As the release states, Torres waived his right to an in-person hearing meaning the player safety department, at their discretion, could suspend Torres for more than five games.
According to Bob McKenzie of TSN, Torres won’t be considered a repeat offender, but his previous history could be factored in.
Torres, BTW, is technically NOT a repeat offender (no fines/suspensions in last 18 months) for purposes of how lost wages are calculated.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) October 4, 2015
It’s been a battle for Torres to remain on the ice during his tenure as a San Jose Sharks player. After signing a three-year, six million dollar contract, Torres has missed the majority of the past two seasons due to an ACL injury that was suffered during the preseason in 2013-14.
After finally appearing to be healthy, Torres is on the verge of being back on the sidelines after another questionable hit. It’s unfortunate for Torres who has put in all the hard work to get himself back, but it’s also unfortunate to see him revert back to his old ways.
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He vowed to clean up his game when he came to San Jose, but this will be his second suspension in teal. His first came during Game One of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs when Torres was suspended for the final six games after a hit against Jarrett Stoll knocked him out for the remainder of that series, which San Jose would lose in seven games.
There is no doubt on this one that it was a bad hit by Torres, who seemingly skates across the ice and makes contact with Silfverberg’s head. Torres has been suspended on four other occasions throughout his career and this will likely be his fifth.
Now, the only question remains how long Torres will be out. San Jose will likely be down to of their regular forwards when they open the season against the Los Angeles Kings on Oct. 7.
All of the good will Torres accumulated in getting back to the ice for the 2015-16 season is now gone as he’s likely back on the shelf yet again.
Next: Melker Karlsson Likely Out For Season Opener