What will Raffi Torres get this time?
The 33-year-old forward who’s become known primarily for his controversial hits has once again put himself in the sights of the NHL’s Department of Player Safety. They confirmed that he was offered an in-person hearing following his hit on Jakub Silfverberg Saturday night. He declined the opportunity to meet with them face-to-face, but the offer itself is an important detail because it gives the league the option to suspend him for more than five games.
It certainly seems like the stage is set for a lengthy suspension. While Torres is not considered a repeat offender as his last suspension came more than 18 months ago, the NHL still retains the right to consider his history when deciding on this matter.
Among other incidents, he was once was banned from 25 games for his hit on Marian Hossa in 2012, although it was later reduced to 21 contests after an appeal. The NHL found that Torres was guilty of breaking three rules for that hit; namely interference, charging, and illegally hitting the head. The NHL is reviewing Torres’ latest incident for the same three violations.
You can see the hit below:
And here it is slowed down:
http://zippy.gfycat.com/RipeGoodGopher.webm
Torres got a match penalty and Silfverberg left the game. Fortunately, Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau said that Silfverberg could have returned, but was kept out for precautionary reasons.
Kesler on Torres hit: "Same player every year. I played with the guy. He needs to learn how to hit. That has no part in our game any more."
— Eric Stephens (@icemancometh) October 4, 2015