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Raffi Torres
Raffi Torres
Raffi Torres
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Raphael Torres (born October 8, 1981) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey left winger. He was drafted by the New York Islanders fifth overall in the 2000 NHL entry draft. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the New York Islanders, Edmonton Oilers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks, Phoenix Coyotes and San Jose Sharks.

Key Information

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 and played one year for them where they reached the 2011 Stanley Cup Final. Torres then signed with the Phoenix Coyotes and then with the San Jose Sharks. Internationally, he represented Canada at the 2001 World Junior Championships, winning a bronze medal.

Torres, a physical, forechecking forward with offensive capabilities,[1][2] was suspended five times for illegal hits to opponents' heads. He received the fourth-longest suspension in the history of the NHL at the time for his hit to the head of Marian Hossa in Game 3 of the 2012 Western Conference Quarterfinals.[3] In October 2015, Torres received a 41-game (half-season) suspension for an illegal hit on Anaheim player Jakob Silfverberg. This is the longest suspension ever given by the NHL for a hit on another player.[4] Having never played another NHL game due to this suspension and thereafter being unsigned in free agency, Torres retired in November 2016.[5]

Playing career

[edit]

Brampton Battalion

[edit]

Torres played major junior with the Brampton Battalion of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), beginning in 1998–99. He scored at a point-per-game pace in his rookie season with 35 goals and 62 points, second in team-scoring to Jason Spezza.[6] Improving to a team-leading 43 goals and 91 points in his second junior season,[7] he finished seventh in league scoring and was named to the OHL Second All-Star Team.[8][9] Qualifying for the playoffs, the Battalion were eliminated in the first round.[10] Torres added seven points in the six-game series.

Going into the 2000 NHL entry draft as a top prospect, Torres was selected in the first round, fifth overall, by the New York Islanders. The NHL Central Scouting Bureau described him as a player with some forechecking and offensive skills.[1] The Islanders obtained the fifth overall pick used to acquire Torres from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for goaltender Kevin Weekes and defensive prospect Kristian Kudroc.[1]

At the time of the draft, Islanders general manager Mike Milbury told reporters Torres' chances of immediately joining the NHL was questionable.[1] Following his first NHL training camp in New York, Torres was returned to Brampton in late September.[11] Playing his third and final OHL season, Torres recorded 33 goals and 70 points over 55 games in 2000–01 and was named to the league's second all-star team again.[9] The Battalion advanced to the second round of the playoffs, where they were eliminated.[10] Torres had 11 points in eight post-season contests.

Professional

[edit]

New York Islanders

[edit]

After turning professional in 2001–02, Torres was assigned to the Islanders' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers following his second NHL training camp.[9] Over the course of his professional rookie campaign, Torres was called up on four occasions to the NHL.[9] He received his first call-up to New York on November 24, 2001, making his NHL debut against the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.[12] Skating on the fourth line, he helped the Islanders to a 5–3 win.[12] He notched his first point during a separate call-up on January 4, 2002, assisting on a goal by Mark Parrish during a 4–2 win against the Pittsburgh Penguins.[13] It was his lone point with the Islanders over 15 NHL games that season.

Later that month, he was reassigned to Bridgeport for the remainder of the season.[9] He finished with 20 goals and 30 points over 55 games with the Sound Tigers. Torres became an integral part of Bridgeport's 2002 playoff run to the Calder Cup Finals, where the club lost in five games to the Chicago Wolves.[14] Over 20 post-season games, Torres ranked third in team-scoring with eight goals and 17 points.[15]

Torres began the 2002–03 season in Bridgeport for the second consecutive year. He received four call-ups to New York over the campaign,[9] recording five assists over 17 games. At the NHL trade deadline, he was traded by the Islanders to the Edmonton Oilers, along with forward Brad Isbister, in exchange for defenceman Janne Niinimaa, as well as second-round and fourth-round selections in the 2003 draft.[16]

Edmonton Oilers

[edit]
A close-up view of a Caucasian ice hockey player's face. He wears a black helmet and is looking to the right.
Torres while playing for the Edmonton Oilers in October 2006.

Following the trade, the Oilers assigned him to their AHL affiliate, the Hamilton Bulldogs,[9] where he played the final 11 games of the regular season. Between Bridgeport and Hamilton, Torres recorded 18 goals and 40 points over 60 games in his second AHL campaign. For the second consecutive year, he appeared in the Calder Cup Finals and lost. He struggled in his second AHL playoff run, managing six goals and an assist over 23 post-season games as the Bulldogs were defeated in the finals by the Houston Aeros in seven games.[14] On August 1, 2003, Torres was re-signed by the Oilers to a two-year contract.[9]

He began the 2003–04 season in the NHL, earning a roster spot with the Oilers. He scored his first NHL goal on October 9, 2003, against goaltender Evgeni Nabokov during a game against the San Jose Sharks.[17] During the campaign, Torres was chosen to represent the Western Conference at the 2004 NHL YoungStars Game.[9] The following month, he missed two contests due to an ankle injury.[9] He recovered to finish the season with 20 goals and 34 points over 80 games. During the 2004–05 NHL lockout, he played with the Edmonton Road Runners (the Oilers' new minor league affiliate) of the AHL and tied for the team-scoring lead with Tony Salmelainen, recording 46 points in 67 games.[18]

With the NHL set to resume play for the 2005–06 season, Torres re-signed with the Oilers to a two-year deal on August 16, 2005.[9] Returning to the Oilers, he scored a career-high 27 goals and 41 points. The Oilers entered the 2006 playoffs as the eighth and final seed in the Western Conference.[19] During the Western Conference Finals against the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, Torres missed games two and three due to the flu.[9] Following his return the lineup, he scored the series-clinching goal in game five, a 2–1 win, to advance the Oilers into the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals.[20] Against the Carolina Hurricanes, the Oilers faced a 3–1 series deficit before forcing a game seven.[21] They were defeated in the deciding contest to lose the Stanley Cup.[21] Torres notched four goals and 11 points over 22 post-season games.

In 2006–07, Torres recorded 15 goals and 34 points. The Oilers did not qualify for the playoffs.[22] In the off-season, they re-signed him to a three-year, $6.75 million deal.[2] The following season, he missed the last 49 games of the campaign to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.[9] Limited to 32 contests, he recorded 11 points.

Columbus and Buffalo

[edit]

Torres was traded in the off-season to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for forward Gilbert Brulé on July 1, 2008.[23] He missed 10 games to begin the 2008–09 campaign with a separated right shoulder.[9] A month later, on December 2, 2008, he underwent surgery for an injured knee and missed an additional 19 games.[9] With an injury-shortened season for the second consecutive year, he recorded 12 goals and 20 points over 51 games. In the 2009 playoffs, Torres added two assists as Columbus was swept in four games by the Detroit Red Wings.[24]

The following season, on March 3, 2010, Torres was traded to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for defenceman Nathan Paetsch and a second-round draft pick.[25] He had recorded 19 goals and 31 points over 60 games with Columbus before the trade. In 14 games with Buffalo, he notched five assists. The Sabres entered the 2010 playoffs as the third seed in the Eastern Conference. They were eliminated in the first round by the Boston Bruins.[26] Torres' play struggled against the Bruins and he was benched for the final two games of the series.[27] He recorded two assists over four playoff games.

Vancouver Canucks

[edit]

Leaving Buffalo as an unrestricted free agent, Torres signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Vancouver Canucks on August 24, 2010.[28] He scored his first goal as a Canuck on October 13, in a 4–3 loss to the Anaheim Ducks.[29] The following month, he registered his first NHL career hat trick on November 2 during a game against his former team, the Edmonton Oilers.[30] It marked the first time in Oilers history that a former player scored a hat trick against the club.[31] The hat trick also helped Torres earn First Star of the Week honours as the best player in the NHL for the week ending November 7, 2010.[32] Beginning in January 2011, he underwent a 23-game goalless streak, snapped on February 19 in a game against the Dallas Stars.[33]

Later in the season, Torres was suspended four games for a hit to the head of Edmonton Oilers forward Jordan Eberle during a game on April 6, 2011. Canucks general manager Mike Gillis told media that he "strongly disagree[d] with it", while Torres argued that he did not stick out his elbow or leave his feet to make the hit and that Eberle raised his hand in defence of the oncoming check, indicating that it was not a blindside hit. Eberle was not injured on the play.[34] The suspension ended Torres' regular season as the Canucks had two games remaining. He finished with 14 goals and 15 assists for 29 points in 80 games. Returning for Game 3 of the opening playoff round against the Chicago Blackhawks, Torres received further scrutiny around the league for a hit on Blackhawks' defenceman Brent Seabrook. Although he received a minor penalty on the play, Torres did not receive further suspension from the league.[35] Later in the game, Torres hit Seabrook a second time, taking the defenceman out of the next two games due to concussion-like symptoms. Vancouver went on to win the series in seven games, before defeating the Nashville Predators and San Jose Sharks en route to the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals. In the opening game of the Finals, Torres scored the game-winner and only goal of the game against the Boston Bruins with 19 seconds remaining in regulation.[36] He would also record an assist on the only goal in Game 5 by Maxim Lapierre for another 1–0 win in the series for a 3–2 series lead. Despite being up 3–2 and having a chance to clinch the Stanley Cup in Game 6 in Boston, the Canucks would lose Game 6 5–2 along with the deciding Game 7 in Vancouver 4–0 to lose the series in seven games.[37]

Phoenix and 25-game suspension

[edit]

On July 1, 2011, Torres signed a two-year contract worth $3.5 million with the Phoenix Coyotes.[38] He recorded his first goal nearly a month into the 2011–12 season, in a 3–2 shootout loss to the Dallas Stars on October 25, 2011.[39] Torres continued to build a reputation for targeting opponents' heads.[40] He was fined $2,500 for striking Jan Hejda in the head with his forearm in a December 29, 2011, game against the Colorado Avalanche. Two nights later, he struck Minnesota's Nate Prosser in the head after jumping into the hit, earning a two-game suspension.[41]

In an April 17, 2012, game during Phoenix's first round playoff series against Chicago, Torres jumped into a hit that contacted Marian Hossa's head. Hossa was taken from the ice on a stretcher and sent to hospital by ambulance.[42] While Torres was not penalized on the play, the NHL characterized the hit as violating league rules on interference, charging and illegal contact to the head. Citing his previous history, league disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan suspended Torres for 25 games for the hit—tied for the second-longest suspension for an on-ice incident in modern NHL history—sidelining Torres for the rest of the playoffs.[43] The league reduced Torres' suspension to 21 games on appeal over the summer. He served 13 games of the suspension during the Stanley Cup playoffs and then missed the first 8 games of the 2012–13 NHL season, completing his suspension on February 1, 2013.[44]

San Jose and 41-game suspension

[edit]

On April 3, 2013, Torres was traded to the San Jose Sharks for a third-round draft pick in the 2013 draft.[45] On April 16, 2013, Torres made his first shootout attempt in two years against the Los Angeles Kings to give the Sharks the 3–2 victory.[46] Torres scored the game-winning goal in overtime of game two of round one against his former team, the Vancouver Canucks. The Sharks swept the series.

In game one of the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs against the Kings, Torres recorded a hit on Jarret Stoll, injuring him. The hit was an illegal check to the head and Torres was a repeat offender; therefore, on May 16, the NHL suspended Torres for the remainder of the second round,[47] which the Sharks lost. On June 20, 2013, the Sharks announced that they had re-signed Torres to a three-year contract.[48] In the second 2013 preseason game against the Anaheim Ducks, Torres collided with Emerson Etem, causing Torres to injure his ACL, and was out until mid-February. Torres returned to the Sharks on February 27 against the Flyers.[49] Torres recorded three points during the Sharks' opening round, seven game loss to the Los Angeles Kings in the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs. He then missed the entire 2014–15 NHL season due to requiring multiple surgeries on his knees [1].

On October 3, 2015, in a preseason game against the Ducks, Torres was assessed a match penalty for a late, illegal check to the head of forward Jakob Silfverberg. The NHL stated the hit would be under review, and, on October 5, Torres was suspended a record 41 games by the league, half of the regular season. Torres forfeited $440,860.29 in salary, which was deposited into the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.[50] While the record for longest suspension is held by Billy Coutu, who was suspended for life in 1927 for attacking referees, Torres holds the distinction of the longest non-lifetime ban, which was previously held by Chris Simon for an incident in 2007.[51] This is also the longest-ever NHL suspension for a hit on another player.[4] Torres did not appeal the suspension and apologized to Silfverberg. Sharks general manager Doug Wilson supported the suspension, saying Torres' hit was "unacceptable and has no place in our game."[52]

After returning from his suspension, the Sharks assigned him to their AHL affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda on a conditioning loan. He never returned to the Sharks. On February 22, 2016, San Jose sent Torres to the Toronto Maple Leafs along with two second round draft picks in exchange for Roman Polak and Nick Spaling.[53]

On August 30, 2016, Torres signed a PTO with the Carolina Hurricanes but was released on October 6. He officially announced his retirement from hockey on November 5, 2016.[54]

International play

[edit]
Medal record
Representing  Canada
Ice hockey
World Junior Championships
Bronze medal – third place 2001 Russia

Torres represented Canada with the country's under-20 team at the 2001 World Junior Championships in Moscow. He scored three goals and five points over seven games as Canada won the bronze medal.[55] They lost the semi-final to Finland before defeating Sweden 2–1 in the consolation game.[55] Torres scored the game-winning goal against Sweden 37 seconds into overtime.[55]

Personal life

[edit]

Torres was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada to Juan and Anna Torres.[56] His father emigrated from Mexico City with his family in the early 1970s,[56][57] while his mother is from Lima, Peru, and is of Greek, Italian, and Serbian ancestry.[58] The two met in Toronto.[56] Juan Torres worked several jobs to support his family, including car inspecting and assembly for General Motors, newspaper delivery for the Toronto Sun, construction and general contracting.[57] Anna Torres stayed at home until after Torres and his siblings grew up, at which point she became a personal trainer.[56][57] At one point, Torres' father became unemployed and the family applied to the Toronto Maple Leafs Foundation to financially support Torres' hockey career.[57] Torres is the second youngest among his three brothers.[57]

Torres is married to Gianna[57] and they are residents of Whitchurch-Stouffville.[59] He has two children.[60]

Career statistics

[edit]

Regular season and playoffs

[edit]
Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
1997–98 Thornhill Rattlers MetJHL 46 17 16 33 90 — — — — —
1998–99 Brampton Battalion OHL 62 35 27 62 32 — — — — —
1999–2000 Brampton Battalion OHL 68 43 48 91 40 6 5 2 7 23
2000–01 Brampton Battalion OHL 55 33 37 70 76 8 7 4 11 19
2001–02 Bridgeport Sound Tigers AHL 59 20 10 30 45 20 8 9 17 26
2001–02 New York Islanders NHL 14 0 1 1 6 — — — — —
2002–03 Bridgeport Sound Tigers AHL 49 17 15 32 54 — — — — —
2002–03 New York Islanders NHL 17 0 5 5 10 — — — — —
2002–03 Hamilton Bulldogs AHL 11 1 7 8 14 23 6 1 7 29
2003–04 Edmonton Oilers NHL 80 20 14 34 65 — — — — —
2004–05 Edmonton Roadrunners AHL 67 21 25 46 165 — — — — —
2005–06 Edmonton Oilers NHL 82 27 14 41 50 22 4 7 11 16
2006–07 Edmonton Oilers NHL 82 15 19 34 88 — — — — —
2007–08 Edmonton Oilers NHL 32 5 6 11 36 — — — — —
2008–09 Columbus Blue Jackets NHL 51 12 8 20 23 4 0 2 2 2
2009–10 Columbus Blue Jackets NHL 60 19 12 31 32 — — — — —
2009–10 Buffalo Sabres NHL 14 0 5 5 2 4 0 2 2 12
2010–11 Vancouver Canucks NHL 80 14 15 29 78 23 3 4 7 28
2011–12 Phoenix Coyotes NHL 79 15 11 26 83 3 1 1 2 2
2012–13 Phoenix Coyotes NHL 28 5 7 12 13 — — — — —
2012–13 San Jose Sharks NHL 11 2 4 6 4 5 1 0 1 2
2013–14 San Jose Sharks NHL 5 3 2 5 7 7 2 1 3 18
2015–16 San Jose Barracuda AHL 6 0 0 0 5 — — — — —
NHL totals 635 137 123 260 497 68 11 17 28 80

International

[edit]
Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM
2001 Canada WJC 3rd place, bronze medalist(s) 7 3 2 5 10
Junior totals 7 3 2 5 10

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Raffi Torres

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Raffi Torres is a Canadian former professional ice hockey winger who played 13 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL), known for his physical, agitating style of play that led to both on-ice contributions and multiple suspensions. Born on October 8, 1981, in , , Torres was selected fifth overall by the in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, marking him as a highly touted prospect after a strong junior career with the in the (OHL). His NHL career spanned from 2001 to 2014, during which he suited up for seven teams: the Islanders (2001–2003), (2003–2008), (2008–2010), (2009–2010), (2010–2011), Phoenix Coyotes (2011–2013), and (2012–2014). Over 635 regular-season games, Torres recorded 137 goals, 123 assists, and 260 points, along with 497 penalty minutes, showcasing his role as a gritty forward capable of scoring in clusters—most notably his career-high 27 goals in the 2005–06 season with , when he helped the Oilers reach the Stanley Cup Finals. He also appeared in the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals with the Canucks, contributing three goals in 23 playoff games that year. Torres' tenure was equally defined by controversy, as he accumulated suspensions totaling 74 games across five incidents for illegal hits, including a 25-game suspension (reduced to 21 games on ) in 2012 for a hit on Chicago's Marian Hossa during the and a league-record 41-game suspension in 2015 for an illegal check to the head on Anaheim's . These events underscored his reputation as one of the NHL's most polarizing enforcers, often drawing fines and criticism for head shots. Plagued by chronic knee injuries that sidelined him for nearly two full seasons late in his career, Torres attempted a comeback with tryouts for the and in 2016 but ultimately retired on November 5, 2016, at age 35, ending a career marked by resilience amid physical tolls.

Playing career

Brampton Battalion

Raffi Torres was born on October 8, 1981, in , , where he developed an early passion for hockey through playing on local rinks and encouragement from his family, who were avid sports enthusiasts. Growing up in the , Torres honed his skills in minor hockey leagues before transitioning to junior competition, laying the groundwork for his professional aspirations. Torres joined the of the (OHL) for the 1998–99 season, embarking on a three-year tenure that spanned until the 2000–01 campaign (partial season). During this period, he established himself as a promising forward known for his blend of scoring ability and physical presence on the ice. In his 1999–2000 season, Torres led the Battalion with 43 goals and 91 points in 68 regular-season games. Across his three OHL seasons (185 regular-season games), he accumulated 148 penalty minutes, which highlighted his aggressive, hard-nosed playing style. Under Torres' contributions, the qualified for the OHL playoffs in each of his three seasons, though the team did not advance beyond the early rounds. His standout performance earned him a selection to the OHL Second All-Star Team in 2000, recognizing his leadership and impact among junior talents. Scouts particularly valued Torres for his physicality combined with scoring potential, factors that propelled him to being drafted fifth overall by the in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft.

New York Islanders

Torres signed a three-year entry-level contract with the worth $2.4 million on February 7, 2001. Following his final junior season, he transitioned to professional hockey in 2001–02, initially assigned to the Islanders' (AHL) affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, to acclimate to the rigors of pro-level competition. He made his NHL debut on November 24, 2001, against the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, logging 7:01 of ice time on the fourth line without recording a point. In his campaign, Torres appeared in 14 NHL games for the Islanders, tallying 1 assist, a +2 plus-minus rating, and 6 penalty minutes while averaging 7:35 of ice time per game. The majority of his development occurred in the AHL, where he suited up for 59 regular-season games with Bridgeport, scoring 20 goals and 30 points despite a -5 plus-minus, along with 45 penalty minutes. These performances highlighted his adaptation to the faster pace and increased physicality of professional play, as he contributed offensively while establishing a for gritty, energy-line contributions. In the , Torres added 8 goals and 17 points over 20 games, helping Bridgeport reach the Finals. Torres' sophomore season followed a similar pattern in 2002–03, beginning in the AHL where he notched 17 goals and 32 points in 49 games for the Sound Tigers, including 54 penalty minutes, before a midseason recall. With the Islanders, he played 17 games, registering 5 assists and 10 penalty minutes at even strength. Positioned as a bottom-six winger, Torres emerged as an agitator known for his tenacious forechecking and physical presence, frequently delivering bone-crushing hits that energized teammates and drew penalties from opponents. A January 2002 against Worcester underscored his offensive flashes in the minors. His time with the Islanders concluded on March 11, 2003, when the team traded him and forward Brad Isbister to the in exchange for defenseman Janne Niinimaa and a second-round pick in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

Edmonton Oilers

Torres was acquired by the from the New York Islanders on March 11, 2003, along with forward Brad Isbister, in exchange for defenseman Janne Niinimaa and a second-round pick in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft (Evgeny Tunik). In his first full season with the Oilers during 2003–04, Torres made an immediate impact as a physical winger, recording 20 goals and 14 assists for 34 points in 80 games while accumulating 65 penalty minutes. Torres reached his offensive peak with the Oilers in the 2005–06 season, scoring 27 goals and 14 assists for 41 points in 82 games, emerging as a reliable top-six forward known for his combination of scoring touch and physical play. That year, following the , he contributed significantly on a checking line alongside center Mike Peca and winger , helping provide secondary scoring and energy during Edmonton's resurgent campaign. His development into a top-line scorer and enforcer was bolstered by the scoring foundation he built during his brief stint with the Islanders. In the 2006 playoffs, Torres played a key role in the Oilers' run to the Final, tallying 4 goals and 7 assists for 11 points in 22 games, including contributions on the penalty kill and through his physical presence that disrupted opponents. Head coach highlighted the team's energy players like Torres for their role in maintaining momentum during the postseason, noting the importance of such contributions in high-stakes series. The Oilers advanced past the , , and before falling to the in seven games. The following 2006–07 season saw Torres maintain solid production with 15 goals and 19 assists for 34 points in 82 games, despite the Oilers missing the playoffs, as he continued to embody a gritty, physical style that included 88 penalty minutes and established his reputation as a tough competitor. Over his four full seasons in , Torres consistently racked up between 50 and 88 penalty minutes annually, blending skill with intimidation on the ice. Torres began the 2007–08 season with the Oilers, posting 5 goals and 6 assists in 32 games before being traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets on July 1, 2008, in exchange for center Gilbert Brûlé.

Columbus Blue Jackets and Buffalo Sabres

On July 1, 2008, the Columbus Blue Jackets acquired Raffi Torres from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for forward Gilbert Brulé. Torres, who had established himself as a physical power forward during his time with the Oilers, faced immediate setbacks in Columbus due to lingering effects from prior injuries. He missed the first 10 games of the 2008–09 season after suffering a separated right shoulder in a preseason game against the Chicago Blackhawks. Later that season, on December 2, 2008, Torres underwent surgery to address a knee injury stemming from a torn anterior cruciate ligament he had sustained the previous December, causing him to miss an additional 19 games. Despite these challenges, Torres appeared in 51 regular-season games for the Blue Jackets in 2008–09, recording 12 goals and 8 assists for 20 points, along with 23 penalty minutes. His production was inconsistent as he adapted to a more physical, checking-line role amid Columbus's efforts to build a competitive roster, which culminated in the team's first playoff appearance that spring. Torres contributed in the postseason with 4 games played but no points. The following season, 2009–10, Torres showed improvement in Columbus, scoring 19 goals and adding 12 assists in 60 games before the trade deadline. On March 3, 2010, the Blue Jackets traded Torres to the in exchange for defenseman Nathan Paetsch and a second-round draft pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. With Buffalo, Torres transitioned to a depth forward position on a team pushing for a spot, appearing in 14 regular-season games where he tallied 5 assists but no goals and just 2 penalty minutes. The Sabres did not qualify for the that year, marking the end of Torres's tenure in Buffalo without postseason action. Seeking a fresh start after two injury-plagued years in Columbus, Torres signed a one-year, $1 million contract as an unrestricted with the on August 25, 2010.

Vancouver Canucks

Raffi Torres signed a one-year, $1 million with the as an unrestricted free agent on August 25, 2010, following a brief stint with the during the 2009–10 season. Joining the team after multiple trades earlier in his career provided Torres with renewed to revive his performance, as he sought stability on a contending squad. In the 2010–11 regular season, Torres established himself as a reliable third-line winger, contributing physical play and secondary scoring while logging 80 games for the . He recorded 14 goals and 15 assists for 29 points, along with 78 penalty minutes and a +4 plus-minus rating, marking a significant resurgence from his inconsistent production in prior years. His efforts helped secure the as the NHL's top regular-season team with 117 points. Torres' impact peaked during the , where he became a key contributor despite missing the first two games of the first round due to a four-game suspension carried over from a late-season hit on forward . Returning for Game 3 against the , he added grit and timely offense, finishing with 3 goals and 4 assists for 7 points in 23 games, including a plus-2 rating and 28 penalty minutes. Notably, Torres delivered clutch scoring in the postseason, highlighted by his game-winning goal with 18.5 seconds remaining in Game 1 of the Final against the , securing a 1–0 victory on a pass from . His physical presence and opportunistic play were instrumental in Vancouver's run to the Final, though the Canucks ultimately fell to in seven games. Following the playoff run, Torres became an unrestricted and signed a two-year, $3.5 million contract with the Phoenix Coyotes on July 1, 2011, departing after one impactful season.

Phoenix Coyotes and 25-game suspension

On July 1, 2011, Raffi Torres signed a two-year, $3.5 million contract as an unrestricted with the Phoenix Coyotes, bringing his physical checking style to bolster the team's bottom-six forward group. In his first season with the club during 2011–12, Torres appeared in 38 regular-season games, recording 6 goals and 9 assists for 15 points while accumulating 37 penalty minutes, often contributing as an agitator on the fourth line. Torres carried his aggressive play into the , where the Coyotes faced the in the Western Conference First Round. In Game 3 on , 2012, Torres delivered a controversial hit on Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa late in the third period, launching himself shoulder-first into Hossa's head area after the puck had been played, leaving Hossa concussed and requiring him to be stretchered off the ice. No penalty was called on the play during the game, but the incident drew immediate scrutiny for violating NHL rules on interference, charging, and illegal checks to the head. The following day, on April 21, 2012, NHL Senior Vice President of Player Safety announced a 25-game suspension for Torres—the longest playoff suspension in league history at the time—citing the hit's recklessness, including Torres leaving his feet, targeting the head primarily, and striking after the puck was gone. Shanahan emphasized Torres' history as a repeat offender, referencing prior suspensions for similar infractions, such as a four-game ban earlier in 2011 for elbowing forward . Torres appealed the decision, and on July 2, 2012, reduced the penalty to 21 games, allowing Torres to return earlier in the 2012–13 season but still missing the remainder of the 2012 , during which the Coyotes advanced to the Western Final before losing to the . The suspension significantly impacted Torres' availability, as he missed 13 playoff games and the first 18 contests of the 2012–13 regular season. Upon his return on December 8, 2012, Torres played 28 games for Phoenix that year, contributing 5 goals and 7 assists for 12 points with 13 penalty minutes, showing improved discipline but limited overall production due to the delayed start. His time with the Coyotes ended on April 3, 2013, when he was traded to the at the NHL trade deadline in exchange for a third-round pick in that year's draft, as Phoenix sought to retool amid a middling season.

San Jose Sharks and 41-game suspension

Torres joined the via trade from the Phoenix Coyotes on April 3, 2013, in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Shortly after, on June 20, 2013, he signed a three-year extension with the Sharks worth $6 million, carrying an annual cap hit of $2 million and running through the 2015–16 season. His tenure with the team was plagued by injuries and disciplinary issues, continuing a pattern established by his prior 25-game suspension (later reduced to 21 games) for an illegal hit on forward Marian Hossa during the 2012 playoffs. During the 2014–15 season, Torres missed all 82 games due to complications from a right , including an infection that required surgical intervention to remove his ACL in August 2014. This followed a limited 2013–14 campaign where he appeared in only 11 regular-season , recording two goals and four assists, before playing five playoff against the . The issues stemmed from an initial ACL tear suffered in the 2013 preseason, which had already sidelined him for much of his first full year with the . Torres returned for the 2015 preseason but was involved in another controversial incident on October 3, 2015, during an exhibition game against the Anaheim Ducks. With 7:15 remaining in the first period, he delivered a late, high elbow to the head of Ducks forward Jakob Silfverberg, who was not in possession of the puck, resulting in a match penalty for interference and an illegal check to the head. Silfverberg suffered a concussion and missed the Ducks' next preseason game but returned for the regular season opener. On October 5, 2015, NHL Director of Player Safety Stéphane Quintal announced a 41-game suspension for Torres—the longest in league history at the time for an on-ice infraction—citing the predatory nature of the hit and Torres' extensive history of similar violations, which included five prior suspensions totaling 57 games. The ban, without pay, covered more than half the regular season and cost Torres approximately $1.1 million in salary. Torres accepted the suspension without appeal and publicly apologized to Silfverberg, , , and the NHL, stating, "I take full responsibility for my actions and sincerely regret what happened." Following the suspension's expiration on January 13, 2016, Torres was assigned to the ' AHL affiliate, the , on a conditioning loan, where he played three games without recording a point. On February 22, 2016, the traded him to the along with second-round picks in 2017 and 2018 in exchange for forward Roman Polak and Nick Spaling, but Torres did not play any games for due to ongoing recovery from his issues. He became an unrestricted that summer and signed a professional tryout agreement with the on August 30, 2016, but was released from on October 6 without appearing in any preseason contests. This marked the end of his attempts to return to the NHL.

Retirement

Torres attended the ' training camp on a professional tryout agreement in September 2016, but was released on October 6, citing the lingering effects of his previous suspensions and ongoing injuries that hindered his performance. On November 5, 2016, at the age of 35, Torres officially announced his retirement from professional hockey after playing 635 NHL games, marking the end of a 15-year career plagued by disciplinary issues and physical setbacks. The decision followed failed attempts to secure an NHL contract, including his unsuccessful stint with Carolina, as teams remained wary of his history. The cumulative impact of his suspensions—totaling 74 games across five instances, including the 41-game ban for his final on-ice event with the in 2015—combined with multiple injuries such as a torn ACL and the inability to regain full health, ultimately forced his hand. Torres reflected on the highs of his career, including his contribution to the ' 2011 Stanley Cup Final run, while acknowledging the controversies defined by three fines and those major suspensions. In announcing his retirement, he expressed gratitude to the organizations that gave him opportunities, stating, "It's never easy to stop doing what you love to do," and noting his desire for one more season that did not materialize. Over his NHL tenure, Torres amassed 137 goals and 123 assists for 260 points, finishing with a rating of +2, though no immediate formal with the NHL Alumni Association was reported at the time.

International play

Key tournaments and achievements

Raffi Torres represented at the 2001 in , , where he contributed to the team's finish. Over seven games, Torres recorded three goals and two assists for five points, showcasing his physical style and scoring touch in a depth . His most notable moment came in the game against , where he scored the game-winning goal just 37 seconds into overtime, securing a 2-1 victory and 's third-place finish after a semifinal loss to . This stands as Torres' sole international hardware at the senior or junior level, with no participation in Olympic or senior IIHF World Championships documented in his career. Torres' performance highlighted his grit and ability to deliver in high-stakes situations, though his overall impact was limited by his supporting role on a talented Canadian roster.

Personal life

Family

Raffi Torres was born to parents Torres, a Mexican immigrant who emigrated to in the early 1970s and worked multiple jobs, including as a in , to support his family, and Anna Torres, a Peruvian immigrant who later became a after raising their children. Torres is the second youngest of four brothers; his younger brother Daniel also played junior hockey and briefly turned professional, aspiring to follow in Raffi's footsteps in the sport. Torres married his wife , and the couple has two children: a named Katlyn, born around 2009, and a son named Ty, born around 2012. The family relocated multiple times across to accommodate Torres' NHL career with teams including the , , , Phoenix Coyotes, and . Following his retirement in 2016, Torres and his family settled in , , where he has emphasized the importance of family stability in his post-hockey life. During periods of suspension, such as his 41-game ban in 2015, Torres consulted closely with his family as part of his decision-making process. His retirement was partly influenced by a commitment to spending more time with his wife and young children.

Post-retirement activities

Following his retirement from professional hockey in 2016, Raffi Torres transitioned into youth coaching in his hometown area of , . He began coaching his son's 8U team around 2017, emphasizing skill development, fun, and proper conduct on the ice, drawing from his own experiences to guide young players away from rough play. By 2020, Torres was actively involved with a team of 8-year-olds that included his son Ty, and he has since expanded his role to run local hockey schools and private sessions focused on player growth. As of the 2025–26 season, he serves as for the U13 AAA and U14 AAA teams with the Markham Waxers, where the program prioritizes hard work, character, and community involvement in hockey. Torres joined the NHL Alumni Association in the late , participating in charity initiatives and events to support former players and causes. His involvement includes appearances in legends games and fundraising efforts, such as the 2021 NHL Alumni video campaign highlighting player support networks and the 2024 Hockey Fights Cancer initiative, where he promoted awareness and aid for a friend's battle with . Additionally, Torres has contributed to through events like the inaugural Hockey Helps CA tournament in , in 2024, which raised funds for regional organizations aiding children and families. In recent years, Torres has remained connected to his former teams through alumni gatherings. He attended the ' 2024 Legends Game at , an exhibition honoring Joe Thornton's jersey , reuniting with ex-teammates like Tommy Wingels. While active on , Torres has shared reflections on these events but has shown no interest in returning to professional coaching, instead focusing on grassroots levels. He has also managed lingering health effects from his career, including multiple ACL surgeries and a staph infection, which contributed to his . In a 2021 discussion, Torres described the initial post- period as difficult but expressed gratitude for prioritizing his role as a husband and father, stating it has brought him fulfillment.

Career statistics

Regular season

SeasonTeamGPGAP+/-PIM
2001–0214011+26
2002–0317055010
2003–0480201434+1265
2005–0682271441+450
2006–0782151934–788
2007–08325611–436
2008–095112820–423
2009–1060191231–832
2009–1014055–32
2010–1180141529+478
2011–12Phoenix Coyotes79151126+283
2012–13Phoenix Coyotes285712–113
2012–1311246+14
2013–145325+47
Career totals635137123260+2497

Playoffs

SeasonTeamGPGAP+/-PIM
2005–06224711+216
2008–094022–32
2009–104022+112
2010–1123347+228
2011–12Phoenix Coyotes3112+22
2012–135101–12
2013–147213+318
Career totals68111728+680

International

Raffi Torres represented Team at the 2001 IIHF World U20 Championship, where he recorded 3 goals and 2 assists for 5 points in 7 games, helping win the .
YearTournamentGPGAPPIMResult
2001IIHF World U20 Championship732510
Career totals: 7 , 3 G, 2 A, 5 P, 10 PIM.

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