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Blackhawks sign Erik Gustafsson to 2-year extension

The Chicago Blackhawks signed defenseman Erik Gustafsson to a two-year contract extension, the team announced Tuesday.

Mike Kelly of NHL Network reports the deal carries a $1.2 million salary cap hit. A one-year contract extension for minor league forward Tyler Sikura, the brother of top prospect Dylan Sikura, was also announced.

Gustafsson is making $650,000 this season and is slated to become a restricted free agent this summer. The 25-year-old has one goal and four assists in 19 games this season. The 6-foot, 176-pound Swedish blue liner had 14 assists in 41 games last season and has 19 points (one goal, 18 assists) in 60 career games. He started the 2017-18 campaign with the Rockford IceHogs in the AHL, but was recalled Jan. 9.

The Hawks acquired Gustafsson on a two-year deal in April 2015 after the Edmonton Oilers, who selected him in the second round of the 2012 draft, did not retain his rights after two seasons in the Swedish Hockey League. Gustafsson recorded 56 points (nine goals, 47 assists) in 146 regular-season SHL games across three seasons with Frolunda (2013-15) and Djurgarden (2011-12).

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