Jets and Blackhawks Finalize Trade: Kuzmin for Phillips

The Winnipeg Jets and Chicago Blackhawks have reportedly finalized a trade involving young prospects Dmitry Kuzmin and Isaak Phillips, as first reported by TSN’s Darren Dreger. The Jets and Blackhawks later confirmed the deal in a statement on their websites and social media accounts.

The deal will send Kuzmin, a 2003-born defenseman, from Winnipeg to Chicago while Phillips, a 2001-born blueliner, heads to the Jets. Phillips was drafted in the fifth round in 2020 by Chicago. He has 56 NHL games of experience, but only three this season. Kuzmin was drafted 82nd overall in 2021 and came over to North America to play junior hockey. He’s 5’10” and a left-shot who posted 103 points and a +18 rating in 122 games with the OHL’s Flint Firebirds. If he pans out, he projects as a second or third-pairing defenseman with some offensive upside.

The Jets get someone with more experience. The Blackhawks get someone they believe has a bright future. Kuzmin is an unknown, but he has strong mobility and puck-moving abilities.

This Was a Trade About Timing for Both the Blackhawks and Jets

This was as much a trade about the different timelines and windows to win for both franchises as it was about the skill sets of each player. Pro Hockey Rumors writes, “The swap won’t affect either team’s roster count or salary cap, as both are actively on AHL assignments. However, the Jets will need to work with Phillips, who will be a restricted free agent with arbitration rights at the end of the season.”

Blackhawks interim head coach Anders Sorensen commented on the reported Isaak Phillips for Dmitry Kuzmin trade and said he was excited for his former player and happy he would get a fresh start.

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