NHL Suspensions: Raffi Torres' Past Will Have Big Impact on Impending Punishment

Raffi Torres straight-up leveled Marian Hossa in the Phoenix Coyotes 3-2 overtime win against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Unfortunately, it’s looking likely that Torres isn’t going to get a chance to play much more for the remainder of the series. His past history of absolutely leveling the opposition is going to play a major role in this.

The ‘Yotes left winger’s crushing blow that sent the Hawks star to nearby Northwestern Memorial for a few hours is certainly going to be reviewed by the NHL’s disciplinarian, Brendan Shanahan.

Shanahan has already doled out eight suspensions during the 2012 offseason—which is double the amount dished out during the 2011 Stanley Cup playoffs—and it’s only the first round.

The czar of discipline also made it clear that “the one thing you don’t want to be when you come before the league’s player safety department is a repeat offender.”

That is exactly what Torres is.

He’s already been forced to miss time this season after catching some air in an attempt to K.O. Nate Prosser of the Minnesota Wild.

Last year as a member of the Vancouver Canucks, Torres destroyed Jordan Eberle during the regular campaign and then blew up Brent Seabrook in the postseason.

This spotty record also includes some fines for elbowing and other illegal hits throughout Torres’ career.

While the Phoenix player is trying to do some damage control, it’s probably too little, too late.

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"First off, I hope he's alright. As far as the hit goes, I just felt like it was a hockey play, just trying to finish my hit out there," said Torres. "The last thing I'll say is a I hope he's alright."

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The league isn’t going to see a player leaping off the ice to decimate an opponent in the middle of the ice as a hockey play.

Keep it tuned to Bleacher Report for the latest news, information and updates concerning Raffi Torres and his possible suspension.