Phoenix Coyotes forward Raffi Torres released a statement on Saturday, expressing regret and indecision about whether or not to appeal. The statement, in full:
"My main concern is for the healthy recovery of Marian Hossa, and I hope that he will be able to get back on the ice to compete again soon. I sincerely regret injuring Marian.Regarding the severity of the suspension issued, I will take the next few days to decide whether or not to appeal the decision."
Torres was suspended 25 games for his hit on Chicago Blackhawks' Marian Hossa in game three of the first round, a brutal shot where he left his feet to level Hossa. Hossa was taken off the ice strapped to a backboard but was later able to leave the hospital under his own power. With the recent attention given to player safety and an uptick in violence in the playoffs, it was the clear the league felt they needed to send a message.
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