Vancouver Canucks sign Raffi Torres
The Vancouver Canucks have announced that they have signed forward Raffi Torres to a one-year contract worth $1 million. Torres was an unrestricted free agent, who split last season between the Buffalo Sabres and the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Torres was drafted fifth overall by the New York Islanders in the 2000 National hockey League (NHL) entry draft. He split his first two seasons with the Islanders between New York and their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Torres experienced marginal success with the Sound Tigers and was eventually shipped to the Edmonton Oilers for the 2003-04 season. Torres spent four seasons with the Oilers, establishing himself as a power forward with the ability to score.
He experienced his most productive year with the Oilers in 2005-06 when he netted 27 goals and 41 points. In 2008-09, Torres joined the Blue Jackets where he struggled to stay healthy and was finally dealt to Buffalo at last year’s trade deadline.
Torres is still capable of a 20-25 goal season, and playing with a talented Vancouver line-up should help the 28-year-old find his game once again. The Ontario native is likely to slot in on the Canucks second or third line. Torres brings more grit, as well as an aggressive forecheck, to the Vancouver lineup. Moreover, his large frame and willingness to go to the front of the net could make him a staple on the Canucks powerplay.
The Canucks will be hoping that Torres is able to get over injury problems that have plagued his development for most of his career. Nevertheless, the one-year deal along with a low salary for a possible goal scorer makes for a strong investment.
Last season split between the Blue Jackets and Sabres, Torres scored 19 goals and 17 assists for 36 points in 74 games.
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