The Chicago Blackhawks and Winnipeg Jets have completed a minor league trade, exchanging young talent as both organizations look to adjust their AHL depth charts.
Chicago received defenseman Dmitry Kuzmin, while defenseman Isaak Phillips heads to the Jets in return. Both players have split time between the NHL and AHL, and this move gives them new chances in fresh systems.
Who is Isaak Phillips?
Isaak Phillips, age 23, has been developing with the Rockford IceHogs, Chicago’s AHL affiliate. This season, he’s scored one goal in three NHL games for the Blackhawks and added eight points in 28 AHL games.
Drafted in the fifth round in 2020, Phillips has:
- Played 56 NHL games
- Scored 12 points
- Averaged 16 minutes of ice time per game
He brings strong AHL experience and should move straight into a top-pairing role for the Manitoba Moose, especially with Winnipeg facing injury issues to defensemen Colin Miller and Haydn Fleury.
What Dmitry Kuzmin Brings to Chicago
Dmitry Kuzmin, 21, was a third-round pick in 2021. He has struggled to find consistent success at the pro level, tallying:
- 4 points in 21 AHL games this season with Manitoba
- 7 points in 39 career AHL games
- 9 points in 24 ECHL games with Norfolk
Despite his slow start, Kuzmin is known for being skilled with the puck and will get a chance to prove himself in Rockford.
A key bonus? Kuzmin is friends and former teammates with Artyom Levshunov, the Blackhawks’ second overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. Both played together for Team Belarus, which should help Kuzmin adjust quickly to his new team and environment.
Why This Trade Makes Sense
This swap makes sense for both sides:
- The Jets get a more NHL-ready defenseman in Phillips, who can help right away if injuries continue.
- The Blackhawks get a younger player with upside and give him a development-focused environment alongside familiar faces.
This trade is not a blockbuster, but it could be important for both teams’ depth. Phillips strengthens a Jets organization looking for short-term help, while Kuzmin gets a fresh start in a system that might suit him better.
Keep an eye on both players as the AHL season progresses, especially if injuries call either back up to the NHL level.
