The "enigmatic" Tomas Jurco: A Thread

[kipwinger 8,522]

Mods, please move the Jurco talk from the Franzen thread. I've been (partially) to blame for turning it into a Jurco thread. Given the fact that a lot of folks have commented on the topic, I thought it deserved it's own thread, so as not to distract from the Franzen well wishing.

[GMRwings1983 8,794]

Wow. What honesty! Now people definitely know you're not my sock account.

BTW, Jurco is small and doesn't score enough goals.

[barabbas16 499]

Well, I'll post here anyway. I didn't really mean to be obnoxious. I admit that "completely worthless" was an exaggeration on my part (and I really meant it in reference to last year, not necessarily at present). And I agree that i am certainly being impatient with Jurco.

I really do think that Jurco's lack of scoring last year is why people are ready to give up on Jurco. And, higher expectations are why his output is so disappointing.

I meant to concede the discussion with a little sarcasm with my last post, but I can see how that could be interpreted as putting words in peoples' mouths. I apologize, though - did not foresee my posts as being received as they were.

[Hockeymom1960 5,107]

I'm not giving up on him. We'll have a new coach (hopefully Blashill) who I'm hoping inspires him.

[nyqvististhefuture 1,002]

Still only 22 and was used more as a checker ... Still think he can at least get around 20 goals

To soon to give up on jurco ... I think Blashill will get him going again

[wings87 1,290]

I don't think you can call him enigmatic after 2 seasons. He's had 1 good year and 1 bad, that's all there is to it. With Blashill coming in he'll be used properly (scoring role, not checking). So I expect a better year from him.

[Echolalia 2,961]

I don't think you can call him enigmatic after 2 seasons. He's had 1 good year and 1 bad, that's all there is to it. With Blashill coming in he'll be used properly (scoring role, not checking). So I expect a better year from him.

I agree that its too soon to throw the kid under a bus, but I'm not too sure he'll be utilized any differently than Babcock used him. Even if Blashill gives Jurco the benefit of the doubt, he still needs to outperform someone else above him on the depth chart, and right now its pretty crowded. Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Tatar, and Nyquist are likely not moving from the top six. Abdelkader has proven his worth on a scoring line and has bought his ticket to stay there. That leaves one opening on the top six that Jurco will be competing with Helm, Sheahan, Weiss, Pulkkinen, Franzen (if he returns), and anyone that Holland may pick up in the off-season. Heck, I just listed enough players that Jurco would have to compete for a third line spot as well. I'm not saying its impossible, but I also don't believe Blashill is the type of person to give Jurco the spot because of familiarity and/or success in Grand Rapids. If Jurco is going to play alongside the likes of Zetterberg or Tatar, he's going to have to prove he's a better option than the alternatives. Then again, Blash might really spread things out and we could see a potential third line with one of Tatar or Nyquist on it, which may also open things up a little more. Its tough to predict because nobody knows how Blashill will set the team up just yet. But my guess is that we see Jurco on the third line to start the season, likely with third-line caliber players. Where he goes from there is entirely up to him.

[wings87 1,290]

I agree that its too soon to throw the kid under a bus, but I'm not too sure he'll be utilized any differently than Babcock used him. Even if Blashill gives Jurco the benefit of the doubt, he still needs to outperform someone else above him on the depth chart, and right now its pretty crowded. Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Tatar, and Nyquist are likely not moving from the top six. Abdelkader has proven his worth on a scoring line and has bought his ticket to stay there. That leaves one opening on the top six that Jurco will be competing with Helm, Sheahan, Weiss, Pulkkinen, Franzen (if he returns), and anyone that Holland may pick up in the off-season. Heck, I just listed enough players that Jurco would have to compete for a third line spot as well. I'm not saying its impossible, but I also don't believe Blashill is the type of person to give Jurco the spot because of familiarity and/or success in Grand Rapids. If Jurco is going to play alongside the likes of Zetterberg or Tatar, he's going to have to prove he's a better option than the alternatives. Then again, Blash might really spread things out and we could see a potential third line with one of Tatar or Nyquist on it, which may also open things up a little more. Its tough to predict because nobody knows how Blashill will set the team up just yet. But my guess is that we see Jurco on the third line to start the season, likely with third-line caliber players. Where he goes from there is entirely up to him.

I don't disagree. Though whichever line Jurco ends up on, he has to be utilized as an offensive player. He's not the type of player, who'll shut the other team down defensively. But if given the chance(if he continues to develop, of course) he's got enough offensive weapons to put the opposing team on it's heels-even on the third line.

I'd like to see Z drop down to the 3rd line( yes, I know- blasphemy) with Jurco, and Franzen/Pulkinnen. That move might give the line a balance between offense and defense.

[Helmethead 235]

Lets see what Blash can do with him. If he still stinks then trade him.

[ben_usmc 253]

Why all the hate on Jurco? I get he wasn't the best of the call ups, be he also was the youngest and had the least amount of experience. Watching him in GR (my limited times in the playoffs) it seemed like the puck just followed up. He has size and skill, he will put it together.

[Helmethead 235]

I'm willing to give him another season. Too much raw talent there.

[LAWings 160]

Will like to see what happens when Blashill comes up. Jurco's production dropped badly, yet he was on the top line for his country during the Olympics. That says a lot about his talent. Players like Tats, Jurco and Weiss will see a production bump under the new coach, their confidence has been blasted under Babs and fresh start will do everyone some good. I say let's wait until Blash gets in and we see how the everyone responds. I know the combine is close upon us, so I also wouldn't mind some trades if they make sense.

Either way I've got my popcorn ready...

[Buppy 1,720]

Still only 22 and was used more as a checker ...

...With Blashill coming in he'll be used properly (scoring role, not checking). So I expect a better year from him.

I think this "checking role" thing is being overstated. Probably because it was later in the season and so fresher in everyone's mind. Jurco bounced around lines quite a bit this year. I'm not going to add up all the numbers, but war-on-ice.com data shows he spent quite a lot of time on scoring lines. Looks like he was with Sheahan and Tatar as much or more than he was with Miller and Glendening. Also looks like a decent amount with Weiss, Helm, and Datsyuk. At least a little with just about everyone. And that's not including all his PP time. I'd certainly say his overall time with other scorers was much greater than his time with checkers. Furthermore, even when playing with guys like Miller and Glendening it's not like he's being told to go out and not score. Glendening had 12 goals. We've seen plenty of 4th-liners hit double-digits in goals in recent years. Guys that don't have the kind of skill Jurco has.

Even if he gets used the same way next year, he can and should (and I believe, will) be more productive.

[wings87 1,290]

I think this "checking role" thing is being overstated. Probably because it was later in the season and so fresher in everyone's mind. Jurco bounced around lines quite a bit this year. I'm not going to add up all the numbers, but war-on-ice.com data shows he spent quite a lot of time on scoring lines. Looks like he was with Sheahan and Tatar as much or more than he was with Miller and Glendening. Also looks like a decent amount with Weiss, Helm, and Datsyuk. At least a little with just about everyone. And that's not including all his PP time. I'd certainly say his overall time with other scorers was much greater than his time with checkers. Furthermore, even when playing with guys like Miller and Glendening it's not like he's being told to go out and not score. Glendening had 12 goals. We've seen plenty of 4th-liners hit double-digits in goals in recent years. Guys that don't have the kind of skill Jurco has.

Even if he gets used the same way next year, he can and should (and I believe, will) be more productive.

It's not who he played with, it's the role he was expected to be in. Babs wanted him to check more while creating space for others to score. That's kinda him being out of position, he needs to be the guy relied on to score on his line-be it on the second or third. That being said, he didn't play well and needs to be better.

Edited June 3, 2015 by wings87

[Krayzie_Bone 58]

I dont think he has it.

[sputman 1,268]

Lets see what Blash can do with him. If he still stinks then trade him.

Yes this is what I think also. I'm excited to see who suddenly does not "stink" now that Bab@$!% is gone.

[Richdg 267]

Jurco had a bad second year. That is called the "sophmore slump". happens to many players in many sports. I think he will be fine. But it really comes down to waht we expect as fans. if we are expecting him to be a top 6 forward that scores 25+ goals, then we will be disappointed. He looks to be a classic 3rd line guy that skates well, hits, and can score 15-20 goals per year. That is fine. In the day and age of caps, no team can afford 3 lines of big time scorers. The trick is figuring out which guy is which and then sign them to the correct contracts.

BTW a 3rd line of Jurco-Sheahan-Pulks will be pretty good.

[Richdg 267]

Keep this in mind as well. Jurco was not some superstar goal scorer in the minors. In 2012/2013 his one full season with GR, he scored 14 goals. Had a great PO run that season were he added 8 more goals in 24 games. In 2013/14 he scored 21 goals combined between GR and Detroit. He added 5 more goals in 8 PO games with the Griffs.

He never had more than 31 in Juniors. So he is not a great scorer to date.

[krsmith17 7,191]

If Jurco stayed in Grand Rapids like he probably should have, he would have led the team and potentially the entire league in scoring this past year. He was scoring at a point per game pace before his last recall and he was only starting to heat up. Jurco will be fine. He will easily double his scoring from this past season and I wouldn't be shocked if he went well beyond that.

[mvanpop 98]

Unfortunately he was used as a checker because Babcock saw a big body and said power forward but I think I see him as more of a playmaker that could learn a lot from Datsyuk

Edited June 4, 2015 by mvanpop

[The Secret 304]

Trade Filpula v.2.0 if a good return could found. We have enough "potential" to spare. A change may do him some good like it did for Hulder and the original Filpula. A package that includes him could get us a piece we need now

Edited June 4, 2015 by The Secret

[jimmyemeryhunter 2,747]

If they would've left tats, sheahan, and Jurco together I think the chemistry alone would've upped his production.

Worst case scenario, he's big, fast, hits, and his production hasn't made his value rise to the point of deserving a huge raise...

So even if he doesn't become a top six guy within the next few years, keeping him won't be too costly.

Plus, he does have the potential to break out.

There is just too Much to like about him to worry about his stats just yet

[number9 3,297]

If they would've left tats, sheahan, and Jurco together I think the chemistry alone would've upped his production.

Worst case scenario, he's big, fast, hits, and his production hasn't made his value rise to the point of deserving a huge raise...

So even if he doesn't become a top six guy within the next few years, keeping him won't be too costly.

Plus, he does have the potential to break out.

There is just too Much to like about him to worry about his stats just yet

I feel like Jurco has the skill size and speed, that'd I'd b fine paying him contracts based on production for years to come, even if he doesn't score crazy amounts (but scores enough where his contract is viable) I'd be happy with it. He's the kind of player that could break out tomorrow, or at 26. Either way I want him on my team, he has all the skills.

[T.Low 1,011]

He's had literally three times as many posts as goals. He's not that far away.

[kickazz 5,459]

I hope Jurco doesnt turn into the new Smith. You know.. When the fan boys keep saying he has potential in the NHL level but in reality its just hopes and dreams and excuses upon excuses.

No seriously though, I'm interested to see how Blash handles the situation.