Sharks sign Raffi Torres to three-year pact

San Jose, CA

The San Jose Sharks have signed Raffi Torres to a three-year, $6 million contract before he becomes an unrestricted free agent July 5.

Torres, 31, was suspended for the remainder of the Western Conference semifinals against the Los Angeles Kings for an opening game hit on Jarret Stoll, who suffered head and shoulder injuries.

The NHL cited his history of prior suspensions as well as the particulars of the hit on Stoll. He had served a 21-game suspension in the 2012 postseason for his illegal hit on Chicago Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa.

Without Torres, the Sharks were eliminated in seven games.

Acquired from the Phoenix Coyotes April 3, Torres, 31, had two goals, four assists and a shootout winner in 11 games.

He was a major factor in their first round Stanley Cup Playoffs sweep of the Vancouver Canucks, even providing the Game 2 overtime winning goal.

Sharks general manager Doug Wilson noted that the team is comfortable with the level of risk Torres brings and that his speed, strength, and shooting ability outweigh it.

Torres said Thursday that although he continues to believe there wasn't anything dirty about the hit on Stoll, he remains mindful about toeing the line while on the ice.

"At the end of the day," Torres said, "it's something I'm always going to be working on -- thinking the game a little bit more and obviously try not to put myself in a vulnerable position with those borderline hits."

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Sharks sign Raffi Torres to three-year pact