DETROIT, MICH — The Red Wings announce they have traded forward Tomas Jurco to the Chicago Blackhawks for a 2017 3rd round pick:
Update: #RedWings acquire third-round draft pick in 2017 @NHL Entry Draft from the @NHLBlackhawks in exchange for right wing Tomas Jurco. pic.twitter.com/SJ77VN5w3p
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) February 24, 2017
Jurco was subject to a lot of rumors after reportedly asking for a change of scenery due to the lack of ice time he has received this year.
In 159 NHL games, Jurco notched 39 points (zero points in 16 games this season). The 24-year-old Slovak never stuck in the Red Wings lineup, as he was usually designated to 4th line minutes. Nevertheless, Jurco never lived up to the expectations given to him by the team. It is unfortunate, but Jurco will now have a shot to play minutes with a contending team. I’d even bet Chicago gives him some time in a top-six role, given how high they seem to be on him:
Blackhawks have been focused on Jurco for the past six weeks. Was the guy they wanted.
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) February 24, 2017
Most Wings fans have checked out on Jurco, and I was convinced he was going to be put on waivers at some point. So, the fact that Ken Holland was able to flip his expiring RFA contract for a 3rd round pick in 2017 could be a good sign for the coming days with the trade deadline on the horizon.
The Red Wings are also reportedly shopping defenseman Brendan Smith and forward Thomas Vanek.
This story is developing.
