Raffi Torres Status With Sharks Remains In Question

Raffi Torres, the most polarizing figure in the NHL, is eligible to make his return from his 41-game suspension when the San Jose Sharks host the Edmonton Oilers next week on Jan. 14. While the Sharks could certainly use Torres’ presence in their forward lines, he is uncertain about whether he will be able to make a return to San Jose’s lineup.

According to Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area, Torres’ status still remains up in the air.

As evidenced by Torres’ remarks, it’s not quite certain at this point in time if he can make his return to the Sharks, which would be a disappointment. San Jose has missed the physicality Torres brings to the ice as the Sharks have failed to establish any sort of identity over the course of this season. Oftentimes, Torres was able to set the tone for the Sharks and provide a presence that has been missing from the get go.

Currently, San Jose sits in fifth place with an 18-17-2 record and 38 points.

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For Torres, this could be his final attempt at returning to the NHL. The 34-year-old Torres has resumed skating and has his good days and bad days. As Torres said, he wants to make sure he gives the Sharks everything he possibly has after sticking with him despite his injuries and suspensions.

Unfortunately for San Jose, the injuries and suspensions have dominated his tenure in teal. Since Torres came to the Sharks at the trade deadline during the 2012-13 season, he has appeared in only 16 regular season games to go along with 12 playoff games.

Torres was poised to return to San Jose’s lineup this season, but he was suspended for 41 games after an illegal check to the head of Anaheim’s Jakob Silfverberg during the final preseason game of the year.

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While the status of Torres continues to be up in the air, it’s undeniable the amount of effort he has put in to return to the ice. Obviously he has a very clouded past, but his hard work in trying to make a final return should be admired.

The Sharks could use an infusion of energy at this point in the season, and a healthy Torres could be just what they need to get them going. He would add to San Jose’s forward depth and provide a spark that’s been missing. Regardless, Torres is willing to give the organization everything he has left.