Sharks’ Raffi Torres Officially Out for at least 6 weeks

Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

Some grim news was released from GM Doug Wilson today, as the tests on Raffi Torres’ knee were returned. In the 2nd period of Friday’s preseason home opener vs. the Ducks, Raffi was involved in a violent collision at 6:34 of the middle period. He did not return.

Now we have the official results and unfortunately Torres will be out of action for at least 6 weeks or 3-4 months in the worst scenario with an ACL injury. Torres who was acquired at the 2013 trade deadline provided a much-needed spark for the team. In my opinion, I think he was the reason that the Sharks finished off the regular season so strongly. He brought an energy boost to the team’s style of play and also, of course, got the fans into it with his big hits. In the first round of the playoffs, Torres showed up and was a huge contributor to the Sharks’ first ever sweep in franchise history against the Canucks. He tallied one OT winner in game 2 and contributed 18 hits. Unfortunately, in the next round he was suspended for the remainder of the playoffs for a controversial hit to the head on Jarett Stoll. The Sharks arguably lost the next series because of his absence.

I was getting really excited to see Torres play a whole season in a teal sweater, but now I guess that hope will have to wait until next year. I will be counting down the days until we will be able to see him play again because he is truly one of the most important bottom six forwards on the roster. Later this week, the Sharks will reveal if he will undergo surgery or not, this could potentially add a lot more time for him on the injured reserve.

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