San Jose Sharks forward Raffi Torres declined to appeal a 41-game suspension resulting from a hit to Jakob Silfverberg of the Anaheim Ducks last Saturday and issued a statement today apologizing to Silfverberg and the Sharks organization for his actions.
“I accept the 41-game suspension handed down to me by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety. I worked extremely hard over the last two years following reconstructive knee surgery to resume my NHL career, and this is the last thing I wanted to happen. I am disappointed I have put myself in a position to be suspended again. I sincerely apologize to Jakob for the hit that led to this suspension, and I’m extremely thankful that he wasn’t seriously injured as a result of the play. I also want to apologize to my Sharks teammates and the organization.”
Sharks GM Doug Wilson followed up Torres’ statement with one of his own:
“The Sharks organization fully supports the NHL’s supplementary discipline decision regarding Raffi. While we do not believe there was any malicious intent, this type of hit is unacceptable and has no place in our game. There is a difference between playing hard and crossing the line and there is no doubt, in this instance, Raffi crossed that line. We’re very thankful that Jakob was not seriously injured as a result of this play.”
Torres is no stranger to NHL disciplinary action, having previously received a 25-game suspension for a hit on Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa during the 2012 NHL playoffs. The suspension was later reduced to 21 games. He then hit Jarret Stoll with a high hit a year later and was given a six game suspension.
Silfverberg said he plans to play in Anaheim’s season-opener on Saturday against the Sharks.
Check out the video below to see Torres’ hit on Silfverberg. Was 41 games a fair punishment for the play?
