Since suffering an ACL injury in a September 2013 exhibition game, abrasive winger Raffi Torres has played just five regular season games for the Sharks, including none this season after an infection in his rehabilitated knee prompted the need for another surgical operation. According to Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area, general manager Doug Wilson confirmed today that Torres will be out for the remainder of the 2014-15 season but is expected back in time for training camp in September.
Per Kurz, Torres recently had a new ACL put in from a cadaver, a process that was delayed due to concerns about additional infections. Torres has had problems with his right knee throughout his career, dating back to his days with the Edmonton Oilers. It’s seemed unlikely Torres would return this season for a while but the confirmation that San Jose won’t have the 33-year-old forward back in their lineup this year is a definite disappointment. Beyond the physical element he brings, Torres was secretly one of the most efficient even-strength goal scorers in the NHL from 2008 to 2014, scoring at a rate identical to superstars like John Tavares and Patrick Kane over that span. He would have provided a sizable boost for a team that ranks 22nd this season in 5-on-5 scoring.
On the bright side, at least he’s now part-zombie.
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