Blackhawks add depth by acquiring Tomas Jurco from Red Wings

After missing out on Dallas Stars winger Patrick Eaves, the Chicago Blackhawks moved quickly to acquire another depth winger before the 2017 NHL trade deadline.

Less than an hour after Eaves was traded to the Anaheim Ducks, Chicago traded for Detroit Red Wings forward Tomas Jurco.

Chicago also re-assigned forward Vinnie Hinostroza to the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs to make room for Jurco. Detroit received Chicago’s 2017 third-round pick, and Detroit did not retain any of Jurco’s salary.

Detroit drafted Jurco 35th overall in 2011. He made a strong early impression during his first call-up in 2014 with 15 points in 36 games, but never re-found that same stride. He also never received much ice time; instead of playing in the minors, Jurco has sat in the press box for much of the last two seasons.

Jurco publicly wondered why he couldn’t break into the lineup consistently in January. Chicago was looking for some supplemental scoring ability on the wings, and found it in Jurco. Jurco is a restricted free agent this offseason.

Detroit likely isn’t done dealing. With the playoffs almost out of sight, they’re expected to move on from other pending free agents like Tomas Vanek before the deadline passes next Wednesday.