NHL Trade: Blackhawks acquire Tomas Jurco from Red Wings for 3rd round pick

The Chicago Blackhawks are back in business after trading a third-round pick for Detroit Red Wings forward Tomas Jurco. 

It’s becoming an annual tradition to see the Chicago Blackhawks as buyers at the NHL trade deadline. Even in a weak market, the Hawks like to add pieces before the postseason. In a bit of an interesting trade, the Blackhawks have acquired Detroit Red Wings forward Tomas Jurco for a third round pick.

Chicago’s taking a flyer on a very talented forward. Jurco has never been a fit with the Red Wings, especially under head coach Jeff Blashill. He has played 60 NHL games over the past two seasons, totaling just six points. Jurco has zero points in the 2016-17 NHL season in 16 games. However, under Mike Babcock, he had 33 points in 99 games.

This should serve as a good change of scenery for Jurco. Chicago’s definitely getting a guy who could contribute. Hopefully for them, Joel Quenneville will be able to act as a dog whisperer for him and help him get his career back on track.

Detroit has to look themselves hard in the mirror to see where they failed with Jurco. However, getting something for a guy who wasn’t producing with them is a good thing. A third-round pick is a pretty good return for a lottery ticket like Jurco.

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Chicago has been having a lot of success trusting its young forwards this season. Perhaps it will work with Jurco. If they can help him fulfill his potential, the Blackhawks will reap the benefits. However, even if he doesn’t, they can cut ties with him as he’s a restricted free agent after this season. Jurco is a risky guy to trade for, but the reward could be huge enough to help Chicago win another Stanley Cup.