When I first saw this story emerge on twitter I thought it was a miss print. The NHL's Department of Player Safety has hammered on Raffi Torres, and rightfully so. The San Jose Sharks forward will miss the first half of the 2015-16 NHL season. Some feel Torres has been given enough chances and he should be given a life ban from the NHL. His next transgression might actually end his NHL career.
First, the standard has been set, targetting the head will not be tolerated this season. Right? We will soon see. I remain skeptical. This suspension should open some eyes. It should put the dirty players that have trouble playing within the rules on notice.
Now, will the NHL's Department of Player Safety remain vigilant against the dirty head shots or will they continue to pick and choose who they suspend. Below, I laid out Torres' suspension history.
May 28, 2013, Missed the last 6 playoff games (suspended by NHL).
May 16, 2013, Suspended by the NHL for the remainder of Round 2 against the Los Angeles Kings.
Feb 02, 2013, Missed 8 games (suspended by NHL).
May 22, 2012, Missed the last 13 playoff games (suspended by NHL).
Apr 21, 2012, Suspended by the NHL for 25 games.
Jan 02, 2012, Suspended by the NHL for 2 games.
Apr 17, 2011, Missed the last 2 games of the regular season and 2 playoff games (suspension).
Apr 07, 2011 Suspended by the NHL for four games.
(s/t TSN)
Long suspensions, not prospect of having to fight, is only thing that stops guys like Raffi Torres from doing what they do.
— Ken Campbell (@THNKenCampbell) October 5, 2015
Watch this @NHLPlayerSafety video from the two-minute mark on. It's unbelievable that teams keep signing Torres. http://t.co/xnqNUgyhC4
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) October 5, 2015
The NHL is a better, safer place without Raffi Torres, writes @SportsnetSpec http://t.co/FzrYdhPKaA pic.twitter.com/1PhcNb21iO
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 5, 2015
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