7 NHL teams. 16 year career.
5 NHL suspensions.
Raffi Torres is a dangerous and risky suitcase.
The soon to be 35-years old agitator and general nuisncance to NHL society hasn’t played an NHL game since April 30th, 2014. That is when the San Jose Sharks were eliminated from the Dtanley Cup Playoffs.
His latest ban lasted 41 NHL games.
While playing for the San Jose Sharks in a preseason game, the 6-foot, 215 pound Torres crushed Anaheim Ducks forward Jacob Silfverberg from the blindside. Another head hit. Another suspension. Not just any suspension. THE longest player ban in NHL history for a greasy hit.
“Obviously I’m very grateful to get this opportunity,… Torres said in an interview Friday. “I realize it’s probably my last shot, with where I am in my career. I’m grateful, I’m thankful and I’m excited.
“People are going to say what they’re going to say. I have not helped myself. You sleep in the bed you make. I accept that, I believe I had paid my dues and I have dealt with what I had to deal with. I think I can change the way I play.…
Torres said there have been many occasions that he has lost his temper and crossed the line into dangerous player territory.
“I know I’ve got to change. I know I say that over and over, but I’ve got to change and I can change,… Torres said. “People say, ‘What about the five or six suspensions?’ and I understand that, but overall I think I can change, I can still play, can still be productive.…
San Jose dumped Torres on Toronto at the 2016 NHL trade deadline. The Leafs promptly dumped him in The A. He became UFA on July 1.
Don't ask me how or why but amazingly Torres has "earned" a professional tryout (PTO) from the Carolina Hurricanes. This move shocks me because Canes GM Ron Francis has accumulated a substantial quantity is skilled young players in the past couple of seasons via the NHL Draft.
Why is Francis rolling the bones on a dusty, ages out, excuse-worn-out troubled player?
Torres to The News & Observer that he and Francis talk about his PTO opportunity in the NHL.
“I know I’ve got to change. I know I say that over and over, but I’ve got to change and I can change,… says Torres when speaking about his suspensions. He admits that what he’s done over his career is wrong, and seems genuinely convinced he could offer something to the Hurricanes this season".