He was drafted by the New York Islanders fifth overall in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft.
Torres was drafted out of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he played three seasons with the Brampton Battalion. Beginning in 2001–02, he turned professional with the Islanders’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate. He spent the better part of two seasons in the AHL before the Islanders traded him to the Oilers in 2003. He played five seasons in Edmonton, becoming a full-time NHL player with the club. He recorded career numbers as an Oiler in 2005–06, while also helping them to the Stanley Cup Finals that year. In the 2008 off-season, he was dealt to the Blue Jackets, where he played the better part of two seasons. After a brief stint with the Sabres in 2009–10, he signed with the Canucks and played one year for them where they reached the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals. Torres then signed with the Phoenix Coyotes and then with the San Jose Sharks. Internationally, he represented Canada at the 2001 World Junior Championships, winning a bronze medal.
Torres retired from the NHL in November 2016.