No, that's not really Torres' head, but he could have had these seats while suspended in the playoffs. (Getty Images)

When Matt Cooke decided to change his ways and straighten up in the new world of Sheriff Brendan Shanahan, it left a void for the dubious title of NHL's dirtiest player. The title wasn't vacant for long, though. Phoenix Coyotes forward Raffi Torres took it and was cemented in that spot with his vicious hit on Marian Hossa in the playoffs, earning a 25-game suspension (since reduced to 21 games).

Now, just like Cooke, Torres is vowing to change his ways. He knows that when he comes back after finishing his suspension -- which won't be reduced further just because of a short season, by the way -- he will have to be smarter and play cleaner. Probably a wise decision considering how Shanahan looks upon repeat offenders (and, you know, for the safety of other players on the ice).

He spoke to Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic about how he wants to be a changed man on the ice.

"I can't afford to go through something like that again," Torres said. "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."

That last part is true; it's not like Torres is just an enforcer on the ice and doesn't know what to do with the stick other than using it to slash opponents. He was the No. 5 overall selection in the 2000 NHL Draft by the New York Islanders and, as you know, you don't go that high if you're not a talented player.

When he isn't being punished by the league, Torres has put up some decent scoring numbers wherever he has gone -- and he's with his sixth franchise. Back in 2005-06 after the lockout, Torres scored 27 goals with the Oilers. Last season with the Coyotes, the first year of his two-year, $3.5 million contract, he had 15 goals with 11 assists. For the lines he plays on, that's not bad production.

So his goal now is to remind people that he is capable of playing hockey, not just crushing people on the ice. Unfortunately for him, between his suspension and the short schedule, he won't have a ton of time to prove he's a changed player this season before he hits free agency, but it might be enough.

We'll say this on Torres' behalf: if Cooke could change his ways and become a near saint in the matter of one offseason, so can Torres.

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