Fansided

Raffi Torres suspended 41 games for illegal hit on Jakob Silfverberg (Video)

By Tasha St. Pierre

September 29, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks left wing Raffi Torres (13) chases for the puck against the Vancouver Canucks during the first period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
September 29, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks left wing Raffi Torres (13) chases for the puck against the Vancouver Canucks during the first period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

San Jose Sharks left wing Raffi Torres has been suspended for a total of 41 games for an illegal check to the head of Anaheim Ducks right wing Jakob Silfverberg.

There is no denying the game of hockey is a hard-hitting sport. Much like any professional sport, there is always the risk of injury to a player, but when certain players don’t play by the rules the risk of injury grows exponentially. It seems as if San Jose Sharks left wing Raffi Torres has become the poster child for players who elect not to play by the rules.

On Saturday night, the San Jose Sharks made their way to the Honda Center in Anaheim to face off with the Anaheim Ducks in what would be their final game of the preseason. While the Ducks may have walked away from the encounter with a decisive victory over their in-state rivals, they also walked away with what could have been a much more grievous situation.

Just over the halfway point in the first period, Ducks right wing Jakob Silfverberg made his way into the San Jose zone in the hopes of making a play in front of the net. Unfortunately for him, he was about to end up with one heck of a headache.

San Jose Sharks left wing Raffi Torres made his way into the zone and quickly closed in on Silfverberg’s location. Despite the fact that Silfverberg had already been stripped of the puck by San Jose left wing Bryan Lerg, Torres decided to not only finish his check, but shift his momentum upwards and make Silfverberg’s head the primary point of contact.

Much like any professional sport, head injuries are nothing to be trifled with and should be taken very seriously. Thankfully, the NHL Department of Player Safety is taking a stand against this sort of play and has seemingly thrown the book at Raffi Torres, with good reason.

According to the Article 18.2(c) of the NHL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement with the NHLPA, “Players who repeatedly violate league playing rules will be more severely punished for each new violation.” Well…let’s take a look at Torres’ track record in this area, shall we?

In April of 2011, Torres was suspended for an elbow to the head of Jordan Eberle. In December of the same year, Torres was suspended for charging against defenseman Nate Prosser. Just wait…there’s more. In April of 2012, Torres is suspended for a late hit to the head of Chicago Blackhawks right wing Marian Hossa.  In May of 2013, Torres was suspended – yet again – for an illegal check to the head of center Jarret Stoll.

We don’t know about you, but we see a painfully obvious pattern in Torres’ behavior on the ice. This is something that simply cannot be tolerated in professional sports. Hockey is hard-hitting enough as it is without someone like Torres repeatedly shirking the rules and needlessly putting a player at risk for a very serious unprovoked injury.

In light of his track record, NHL.com has announced the National Hockey League Department of Player Safety has suspended Raffi Torres for a total of 41 games. Here is a look at the official ruling courtesy of NHL.com.

"“Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and, based on his average annual salary, Torres will forfeit $440,860.29. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.”"

While we would have rather Torres’ generous donation to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund come under much different circumstances, at least the money will be put towards a good cause and can be used to assist players who come under duress in situations like these and many others.

This sort of punishment may seem excessive, considering that his suspension covers the first half of the regular season, but given his track record and the potential for injury this style of play could cause an unsuspecting player, we are glad that Player Safety has decided to make an example out of Torres. Hopefully, this swift and decisive punishment will send a message to other players who may choose to pattern their play style in this dangerous manner.

What do you think of Raffi Torres’ whopping 41 game suspension? Do you think he will finally get the message now that the NHL Department of Player Safety has thrown the book at him in such a serious fashion, or do you believe a leopard never truly changes their spots? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Next: Chicago Blackhawks, Brent Seabrook Agree on 8-Year Extension

More from FanSided

Home/NHL