NHL: Phoenix Coyotes Forward Raffi Torres, NHLPA to Appeal 25-Game Ban

We all thought that after Brendan Shanahan laid down the hammer early in the playoffs for an illegal hit to Blackhawks star Marian Hossa, it was the last time we would hear from embattled Coyotes forward Raffi Torres this season.

Apparently, that's not the case.

According to Bob McKenzie of TSN, Torres, along with the National Hockey League Players Association, plans to appeal the 25-game suspension handed out on April 21. Here's the tweet:

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Raffi Torres and the NHLPA are appealing his 25-game suspension.

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"— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) May 3, 2012"

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The timing seems off as the suspension is nearly two weeks old. Nonetheless, this is a calculated move by both Torres and the NHLPA to challenge the NHL's Head of Player Safety's ruling.

No one can argue the severity of Torres' illegal hit on Hossa, its ramifications and the subsequent punishment that followed. Torres was not only in denial of the check being illegal, but he's a repeat offender—something the NHL takes into heavy consideration when ruling on suspensions.

It's the type of reckless abandon and disrespect to your fellow man the NHL is "trying"—stressed loosely based on other questionable rulings during the playoffs—to rid themselves of.

No blame can be placed on Torres' camp for at least trying to reduce the ban. However, if the NHL wants to look transparent and steadfast on cleaning up the game, Raffi Torres will remain out for 25 games.