Raffi Torres

Raffi Torres

Raphael Torres (born October 8, 1981) is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward who currently plays for the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted by the New York Islanders fifth overall in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. He has also played in the NHL for the Edmonton Oilers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks, and Phoenix Coyotes. Torres is known as a physical, forechecking forward with offensive capabilities. He received the third-longest suspension in the history of the NHL for his hit to the head of Marian Hossa in Game 3 of the 2012 Western Conference Quarterfinals. Prior to his hit on Hossa, Torres had previously been suspended or fined several times for similar hits to opponents' heads.

Torres was drafted out of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he played three seasons with the Brampton Battalion. He was a two-time OHL Second Team All-Star during his junior career. Beginning in 2001–02, he turned professional with the Islanders' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate. He spent the better part of two seasons in the AHL before the Islanders traded him to the Oilers in 2003. He played five seasons in Edmonton, becoming a full-time NHL player with the club. He recorded career numbers as an Oiler in 2005–06, while also helping them to the Stanley Cup Finals that year. In the 2008 off-season, he was dealt to the Blue Jackets, where he played the better part of two seasons. After a brief stint with the Sabres in 2009–10, he signed with the Canucks. After one year in Vancouver, he signed with the Phoenix Coyotes. Internationally, he represented Canada at the 2001 World Junior Championships, winning a bronze medal.