Coyotes’ Raffi Torres looks to tone down physicality

Phoenix, AZ, United States (4E Sports) – Phoenix Coyotes forward Raffi Torres said Thursday he’s looking to tone down his physical play and improve other facets of his game.

Torres, who will still sit out the first 8 games for a carried-over suspension, said he will try to avoid getting into overly physical play, and at the same time, still play in a competitive level.

“I can’t afford to go through something like that again,” Torres told azcentral.com, according to ESPN. “There are some things that I’m going to have to change if I want to keep playing in this league at a competitive level, so I look forward to it. I know I can bring more to the game than just physical play.”

The 31-year-od Torres was slapped with a 25-game suspension by the NHL after his hit to the head of Chicago Blackhawks winger Marian Hossa during the first-round of the Western Conference playoffs.

The Coyotes played 13 playoff games without their enforcer before bowing out to eventual Stanley Cup champions Los Angeles Kings.

Torres, an 11-year veteran with six teams, recorded 15 goals and 11 assists in 79 games last season.

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