Sharks send three to AHL; still waiting on Torres suspension

Torres was given a 10-minute misconduct and a match penalty for his hit on Silfverberg with 7:15 to go in the first period of Saturday’s game against the Ducks.

According to Bob McKenzie of TSN, Torres won’t be considered a repeat offender, but his previous history could be factored in. There was no word from the Sharks or the National Hockey League Player’s Association on whether there would be an appeal.

After finally appearing to be healthy, Torres is on the verge of being back on the sidelines after another questionable hit.

Torres’ check is a nasty one – late, away from the play, and targeted at Silfverberg’s head. Silfverberg left the game for precautionary reasons, but he is not suffering from any injuries. “It’s in the hands of the league”. Torres received a match penalty on the play.

Boston’s Billy Coutu was banned for life in April 1927 for attacking a referee after a Stanley Cup Final game and Bruins enforcer Marty McSorley was suspended a full year for hitting Vancouver’s Donald Brashear in the head with his stick.

It’s been a battle for Torres to remain on the ice during his tenure as a San Jose Sharks player.

DeMelo logged 24:05 of ice time – more than anyone else on either team – and scored his first goal of the preseason, which gave the Sharks a brief 1-0 lead.

The collective bargaining agreement, cited in the NHL department of player safety video, says, “Players who repeatedly violate league playing rules will be more severely punished for each new violation”.

By not being suspended in the last 18 months, the determination for a “repeat offender” for monetary forfeiture, Torres saved himself approximately $621,639.71 in salary. Stoll missed the next six games as well with head and shoulder injuries. He has played in two preseason game before Saturday as he returned from an 18-month layoff following two surgeries on his right knee.