A potential 1st round pick for a career 30 point guy who has never played a full NHL season?
- BINGO!

(frank) the Ducks.

Maybe they picked him up to expose him in the expansion draft.
- walleyeb1

I'm sure that's part of it, but he's RFA, so he doesn't have to sign before the expansion.

@MarkLazerus

Stan Bowman will be chatting with reporters soon. That usually means he's done for now.

... OR DOES IT?

Interesting Talent Analysis from 2013 Hockey's Future for Jurco:

"A dynamic scoring forward who is infamous for his highlight-reel shootout goals, Jurco is far from a one-trick pony. Displaying a willingness to drive to the net, he looks at times closer to a power forward than a pure sniper. With game-breaking ability, the question is whether the Slovakian can put it all together. His hands are incredible, but he needs to round out his game and show more consistency in his effort."

Seems like he has talent. Maybe a change of scenery, with the Hawks' leaders and coaches showing the way, can produce another hidden asset like Panic.

Blackhawks acquire Tomas Jurco for a 3rd round pick.
- BINGO!

Yay?

Thanks for the evaluation. As far as you know is he 100% healthy?
- Mr Ricochet

Yes.

New blog

Last year he had a back injury in which he had surgery this offseason. His first season when he produced points he got to play with Tatar and Sheahan (Riley and the Slovaks). Since then he was somehow supposed to put up points playing with Glendening and Miller (2 of the worst players in the NHL). He is big and can skate, plays good D, nice hands, and overall solid hockey sense. I am really glad to see him get a new opportunity.
- Feds91Stammer

Yeah, his numbers falls in line with this (good/mid QOT at first and then really low QOT at the end). I don't follow the Wings much, so thanks for the context.

So it'll be interesting to see how Q uses him. With his shot suppression and supposed good D, Jurco could slot in with Kruger so that Hossa can move up with Kero-Hartman to bumslay. Or, Jurco could simply replace Hino on the kid line and get some softer minutes to acclimate himself to his new team/structure.

Maybe they picked him up to expose him in the expansion draft. Now they can protect Hartman, Panik, and Rasmussen.
- walleyeb1

Or Hartman, Panic and Jurco!

Winger.
- Feds91Stammer

Wow maybe I should shut up and stick to soccer

Is Jurco here to play or is he going to Rockford? Dont know a thing about him.

He's a center right? How are his face off #s?
- SimpleJack

RW.

FOs 1-3 in 4 years.

Is Jurco here to play or is he going to Rockford? Dont know a thing about him.
- z1990z

Play apparently since Hinostroza was sent down.
Or until he gets injured again. whichever comes first.

Play apparently since Hinostroza was sent down.
Or until he gets injured again. whichever comes first.
- TTtime

Kinda of an odd trade considering all the names we heard kicked around.

Kinda of an odd trade considering all the names we heard kicked around.
- z1990z

Bowman and the front office have always been good at keeping things close to the vest. No surprise.

This is also a relatively minor deal. A pick for a player needing a change of scenery.

Kinda of an odd trade considering all the names we heard kicked around.
- z1990z

Its a 3rd. Guy has played in the NHL. Maybe he finds himself playing with Hoss.

Chances of a 3rd rounder playing in the league are pretty low anyway. Personally think he is a bust but who knows. Panik turned into something.

Also, new blog is up

Brendan Smith to NYR.
- 93Joe

Good. I'm sure Wing fans are happy too.

Bowman and the front office have always been good at keeping things close to the vest. No surprise.

This is also a relatively minor deal. A pick for a player needing a change of scenery.
- ArlingtonRob

A low risk move. Call it Panik 2.0.