Breaking: One of the NHL's most hated players says retirement is possible

Generally speaking when long-time National Hockey League player's announce their retirement they are met with overwhelmingly positive messages, even from fans of teams they spent their career's playing against but there have been some notable exceptions, and this may be one of them.

Earlier this week one of the most reviled players in the NHL, Raffi Torres, gave an interview to The Vancouver Province's John Matisz and during that interview he revealed that retirement was definitely an option for him, and would almost certainly be the case if he doesn't get a new NHL deal.

“To be honest, I’ve never been one for Plan B’s,” said Torres, who was last property of the Maple Leafs but never dressed for a game. “I’ve been telling everybody (who asks about my future), it’s probably going to be The Show or no.”

Torres isn't only a banged up and aging player, but he's also one that could cause serious headaches for any team that signs him as a result of his notorious on the ice antics, antics that have often led to serious injuries for opposing players. The looming threat of a major suspension and potential public relations nightmare will likely keep all but the most desperate of teams from even reaching out to Torres.

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Torres may not have officially retired just yet, but it certainly sounds like this is the end of the line for him, and it's hard not to feel like this is a good thing for the NHL and it's players.

Most will remember all too well his recent 41 game suspension for this vicious hit, and many others during his career.