Blackhawks make Erik Gustafsson healthy scratch as deadline nears

Erik-Gustafsson

The Chicago Blackhawks' bench celebrates an open-net goal with defenceman Erik Gustafsson (56) during the third period against the Los Angeles Kings, Saturday, March 3, 2018, in Los Angeles. (Michael Owen Baker/AP)

Erik Gustafsson was made a healthy scratch by the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday night against the Nashville Predators with the NHL trade deadline just a few days away.

The 27-year-old defenceman is a pending unrestricted free agent at the end of this season.

He has six goals and 20 assists in 59 games this season for the Blackhawks, his fourth with the team.

Originally drafted by the Edmonton Oilers, Gustafsson signed as a free agent with Chicago in 2015.

NHL teams have until Monday at 3 p.m. ET to make trades.

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