The Winnipeg Jets have strengthened their defensive lineup by trading for Isaak Phillips from the Chicago Blackhawks. This deal, announced on Wednesday, involved the Jets sending Dmitry Kuzmin to Chicago. Phillips, a 23-year-old defenseman, has had a modest start to the season, scoring one goal in three games with the Blackhawks.
In addition to his NHL performance, Phillips has also contributed with eight points, including a goal and seven assists, along with 54 penalty minutes over 28 games for the Rockford IceHogs in the AHL. His overall NHL experience spans four seasons and includes 56 games played with Chicago, where he has accumulated 12 points.
On the other side, Dmitry Kuzmin, a 21-year-old defenseman from Belarus, has been with the Jets' AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose. He has recorded a goal and three assists in 21 games this season. Kuzmin was a third-round draft pick by Winnipeg in 2021, while Phillips was selected by the Blackhawks in the fifth round of the 2020 draft.
