Lets not forget that Morgoth had Hurin captured alive beforeHurin had said anything to defy him. He clearly had plans for him already. Why? Here are some possibilities:
1. He wanted, as lots of us have already pointed out, to find Gondolin.
2. He wanted to make an example of him. Hurin, before he had said a word to Morgoth, symbolised something to both men and elves - he was supremely brave and loyal, and his actions at the Nirnaeth Arnoediad defied everything that Morgoth stood for, far more than any words he could have said. Hurin dead would just be another corpse, but Hurin spiritually overcome would really be something, a great show of power. As Turgon said: "Even Hurin Thalion has surrendered to the will of Morgoth."
3. He wanted to drive a rift between men and elves. To alienate Hurin, who previously had been prepared to give up his life for the Firstborn, would be a great achievement for him.
And Saucepan Man, I'm so glad you feel the same way about that wretch Turgon. To use Thalion as cannon fodder. Fie and shame.
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Out went the candle, and we were left darkling
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