The Vancouver Canucks have signed checking forward Raffi Torres to a one-year deal worth $1 USD million.
The Canucks will be Torres' fifth NHL team since making his debut with the New York Islanders in 2001-02. The Toronto-native has amassed 98 goals, 84 assists and 312 penalty minutes in 432 career games.
Torres is expected to contend for a top-six forward spot to start the season, or at least until Alex Burrows returns from his shoulder injury.
Torres split time last season with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Buffalo Sabres.
In 60 games with the Blue Jackets Torres recorded 19 goals, 12 assists and 32 penalty minutes. On March 3, the gritty winger was traded to the Sabres for defenceman Nathan Paetsch and a second-round pick.
With the Sabres Torres was only able to record five assists in 14 regular season games and two helpers in four post-season contests.
Torres' best season came with the Edmonton Oilers in 2006. That year he compiled 27 goals and 41 points during the regular season and was one of Edmonton's go to players in their post-season run to the Stanley Cup Finals against the Carolina Hurricanes.
This signing does come with a bit of risk as inconsistent play and a rash of injuries has plagued his last three seasons. But, when healthy and on his game it is hard to find a more intimidating, two-way player on the ice.
Last season, Torres earned $2.75 million in the final year of a three-year, $6.75 million deal which he signed in Edmonton back in the 2006-07 NHL season.
