With all due respect to Chicago, this seems like a risky move. Yes they have a need, their forward depth is not very impressive. But is Jurco really the guy you want to pencil onto your third line for a deep playoff run? He has never really proven to be anything more than a role player on a decent Detroit team.
You also have to be cautious about counting on the success of guys like Panik and Schmaltz, neither of which have had much meaningful playoff experience. If I was Chicago, I would have tried to be more aggressive on a guy like Vrbata who you know is going to walk at the end of the year, but I’d have more faith in him in the playoffs than a guy like Jurco. Even a guy like Iginla could be considered. Jurco is also a RFA at the end of the year, so if he doesn’t work out is Chicago gonna still extend him?
Also, the timing of this move is really strange. If a 3rd for Jurco is all you can really get, yeah sure take a risk and do it. But the trading deadline isn’t until Thursday...why not hold onto the pick and see if you can throw it in as part of a better trade?
Take it from a Bruins fan, Sweeny traded a 3rd for freaking Rinaldo. Chicago is trying to win a Cup, and if they want to do that then I hope they have a couple more moves up their sleeve.