TRADE: Blackhawks Acquire F Tomas Jurco from Detroit Red Wings

CHICAGO, IL -- Well, this one was unexpected.

Only sort of, though. I at least was right in that the Hawks would look to get some sort of forward, either for the top line or bottom six, but I thought it'd be Patrick Eaves. Nope, he's headed to Anaheim (on a very *ahem* interesting trade, but that's neither here nor there).

With only 15 goals in 159 games, a -8 rating over 16 games this season with no goals and a handful of healthy scratches, I think a lot of people are probably questioning him off the bat. But, I'm telling you, hang on.

The Hawks eat this crap up.

Remember Richard Panik last year? I'm not sure anyone really knew who he was, or knew why we got him of all forwards. But, look. He's paid dividends for the team this year and last, for that matter.

Who's to say Jurco just wasn't in the right place in Detroit? He might prove himself in the last leg of the season.

And, if he doesn't, he's a restricted free agent at the end of the season.

So, I say, give the guy a chance, take him for what he is, and don't get too caught up. Sending Vinnie Hinostroza down to Rockford kind of sucks, but the Hawks will test the waters with Jurco. If he doesn't live up to what Stan Bowman and Coach Q want, he'll get sent down to Rockford.

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