San Jose Sharks left winger Raffi Torres was suspended 41 games for an illegal check to the head and interference committed during a preseason game Saturday.
He was ejected with 7:15 left in the first period for his hit on Anaheim Ducks left winger Jakob Silfverberg, who did not return to the game.
It is the third-longest suspension in NHL history behind Billy Coutu’s ban in 1927 for assaulting an official, which was dropped after 2 1/2 years; and in 2000, Marty McSorley was suspended a year for knocking out Donald Brashear by swinging his stick at his head.
Torres will lose more than $440,000 in salary during the suspension.
This is the 10th time Torres has been suspended, fined or warned for an illegal check to the head, according to the NHL.
41games is insane way to much #freeraffi
— Theo Peckham (@PECKS24) October 5, 2015
A 25-gamer and a 41-gamer. Not the legacy any professional athlete would wish to have. A real shame.
— Damien Cox (@DamoSpin) October 5, 2015
41 games for Torres. Deserved as multi-offender.
— Helene Elliott (@helenenothelen) October 5, 2015
Not getting suspended in last 18 months saved Torres approximately $621,639.71 in salary, since he is not technically a "repeat offender."
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) October 5, 2015
Since he was traded to the Sharks Raffi Torres has played in 28 games (regular season and playoffs). He's been suspended for 47 games.
— Adam Gretz (@AGretz) October 5, 2015
41-game suspension for Raffi Torres. Early message to start the season. No issues at all with this one.
— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) October 5, 2015
Great statement by the @NHL. A 41 game suspension for Raffi Torres for his hit to the head of Silfverberg. @NHLPA will likely appeal.
— Linda Cohn (@lindacohn) October 5, 2015
Suspensions are down 49 per cent from Shanahan's first year at DPS, but Torres suspension shows the worst are still punished big time.
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) October 5, 2015
