The Edmonton Oilers have announced that forward Tomas Jurco will undergo a medical procedure that will keep him out for the home opener. The Oilers are scheduled to face the Vancouver Canucks when the season opens on October 3rd. Jurco was signed by the Oilers on July 1st to a one-year deal worth $750,000.
Oilers Tomas Jurco Won’t Play in Home Opener
Coach Tippett says Tomas Jurco will undergo a medical procedure & won’t be available tomorrow for the #Oilers home opener vs. Vancouver.
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 1, 2019
The 26-year-old native of Slovakia was originally a second-round draft choice of the Detroit Red Wings in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. At that time, current Oilers GM Ken Holland was at the helm for the Red Wings.
Over his five-year career, Jurco has scored 22 goals and added 28 assists for 50 points in 201 games.
Last season Jurco split time between the Springfield Thunderbirds and the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL. During that span, he scored 12 goals and 15 assists for 27 in 33 games. He also scored 18 points in 18 playoff games and helped the Charlotte Checkers win the Calder Cup.
Bad Timing for Jurco
The news could not have come at a worse time for Jurco who was looking comfortable during pre-season action with the Oilers. Coach Dave Tippett even showed confidence in him by putting him on a line with Connor McDavid and James Neal to end the pre-season where Jurco scored two goals and added an assist against the Winnipeg Jets.
In an interview after the game, Jurco said “The more comfortable I get, the better I play. Once I see I have trust then I play way better. Every player, when he knows he is trusted, everything is just easier.”
It’s clear Jurco has won over the coach with his play as he put him with the team and arguably league’s best player Connor McDavid.
As of now, it is unknown how long Jurco will be sidelined. More news should come in the following days after the procedure.
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