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Isaak Phillips
Isaak Phillips
from Wikipedia

Isaak Phillips (born September 28, 2001) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the Manitoba Moose in the American Hockey League (AHL) as a prospect under contract with the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Key Information

Personal life

[edit]

Phillips was born in Barrie and has a diverse heritage, with Afro-Vincentian roots through his paternal grandparents, who came from St. Vincent, and Finnish ancestry from his mother.[1]

Playing career

[edit]

Phillips played major junior hockey with the Sudbury Wolves in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the fifth round, 141st overall, of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.[2] The Blackhawks signed him to a three-year entry-level deal on March 31, 2021.[3]

Phillips played his first NHL game on October 29, 2021, in a 6–3 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, where he did not register a point.[4] He went on to appear in four games for the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2021–22 season, spending most of his time with their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs. On January 14, 2023, he netted his first NHL goal in an 8–5 defeat against the Seattle Kraken.[5]

On January 15, 2025, Phillips was traded to the Winnipeg Jets in a transaction that saw defenceman Dmitry Kuzmin sent to the Chicago Blackhawks in return.[6]

On July 11, 2025, Phillips re-signed with Winnipeg for a two-year, two-way contract.[7]

International play

[edit]

Phillips played for Team Jamaica at the 2018 Team Elite Hockey Prospect Showcase, helping the team win the tournament. While he doesn't have Jamaican heritage himself, the roster featured players from various West Indian backgrounds.[8]

Career statistics

[edit]
Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2017–18 Stouffville Spirit OJHL 52 3 8 11 40
2018–19 Sudbury Wolves OHL 68 3 11 14 54 8 0 1 1 6
2019–20 Sudbury Wolves OHL 63 9 17 26 27
2020–21 Rockford IceHogs AHL 27 2 7 9 14
2021–22 Rockford IceHogs AHL 64 10 15 25 46 5 0 2 2 4
2021–22 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 4 0 0 0 4
2022–23 Rockford IceHogs AHL 51 6 17 23 80 5 1 2 3 2
2022–23 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 16 1 4 5 5
2023–24 Rockford IceHogs AHL 29 4 10 14 20 4 0 2 2 4
2023–24 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 33 0 6 6 22
2024–25 Rockford IceHogs AHL 28 1 7 8 54
2024–25 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 3 1 0 1 0
2024–25 Manitoba Moose AHL 39 3 5 8 20
NHL totals 56 2 10 12 31

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Isaak Phillips (born September 28, 2001) is a Canadian of Jamaican descent who currently plays for the of the (AHL) as a prospect for the of the National Hockey League (NHL). Phillips was selected by the in the fifth round, 141st overall, of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft after playing major junior hockey for the of the (OHL) from 2017 to 2021. On March 31, 2021, he signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Blackhawks, worth $2,577,501 with an average annual value of $859,167. Phillips made his NHL debut on October 29, 2021, in a 6–3 loss to the , and over parts of four seasons with Chicago, he appeared in 56 NHL games, recording 12 points (2 goals and 10 assists). On January 15, 2025, Phillips was traded to the in exchange for defenceman Dmitry Kuzmin. He signed a two-year, extension with the Jets on July 11, 2025, carrying an average annual value of $812,500. In the AHL, Phillips has primarily suited up for the and , accumulating 91 points (27 goals and 64 assists) in 252 games as of November 2025 while serving as an alternate captain for the . Phillips has represented Team at international tournaments, positioning him as a potential pioneer as the first NHL player of Jamaican heritage.

Early life

Family and upbringing

Isaak Phillips was born on September 28, 2001, in , , . He was raised in , a city located about an hour north of , where he spent his early childhood in a family environment centered around his mother, Joan Phillips, who resided there during his formative years. Phillips grew up in , where he developed close friendships in the local community prior to focusing on hockey. His father originated from the , contributing to a multicultural family dynamic. Phillips has a sister, Danika.

Ethnic heritage

Isaak Phillips has a multicultural ethnic heritage, blending Afro-Vincentian descent on his paternal side with Finnish ancestry on his maternal side. His father's origins trace to St. Vincent in the , where his paternal grandparents were born, establishing his connection to Afro-Caribbean roots. Phillips' mother is Finnish, contributing to his mixed European and background. This dual heritage informs Phillips' identity as a biracial Canadian, highlighting the diverse influences that shape his personal and cultural outlook. Born and raised in , , his family diversity played a role in his upbringing amid Canada's multicultural environment. In his public persona as an NHL player, Phillips represents increased ethnic diversity in professional hockey, serving as a for athletes of mixed backgrounds. He has expressed a desire to inspire future generations, stating, "As you see more Black players in the game, it’s going to help out the younger generations." This aspect of his heritage underscores his contributions to broadening the sport's inclusivity.

Playing career

Junior hockey

Isaak Phillips entered major junior hockey with the Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) after being selected in the fourth round, 80th overall, in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection. Following a season in the Ontario Junior Hockey League with the Stouffville Spirit, he committed to the Wolves in August 2018 and transitioned to the OHL for the 2018–19 campaign, adapting to the increased physicality and pace as a right-shot defenseman. In his rookie season, Phillips established himself on the Wolves' blue line, appearing in all 68 regular-season games while focusing on defensive responsibilities and learning the professional-level structure of junior hockey. He contributed offensively with 3 goals and 11 assists for 14 points, alongside 54 penalty minutes, and added 1 assist in 8 playoff games. His play emphasized gap control and puck retrieval, building a foundation for further development. Phillips showed notable progression in his sophomore year of 2019–20, increasing his offensive output to 9 goals and 17 assists for 26 points over 63 games, with reduced penalty minutes at 27, reflecting improved decision-making and composure. The season ended prematurely due to the , but his growth highlighted emerging two-way potential as a defenseman. During his OHL tenure, Phillips' physical attributes evolved significantly, growing to 6 feet 3 inches and 195 pounds, which enhanced his presence in board battles and shot-blocking. The following table summarizes Phillips' regular-season statistics with the Sudbury Wolves:
SeasonGames PlayedGoalsAssistsPointsPenalty Minutes
2018–19683111454
2019–20639172627

Professional career

Phillips was selected by the in the fifth round, 141st overall, of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. Following a strong junior career in the with the , Phillips joined the Blackhawks' (AHL) affiliate, the , on an amateur tryout agreement on January 20, 2021. He appeared in 27 games during the 2020–21 season, recording 2 goals and 7 assists for 9 points. Phillips signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Blackhawks on March 31, 2021. Phillips made his NHL debut on October 29, 2021, in a 6–3 loss to the , where he recorded no points in four games that season. He split the majority of his early professional seasons between the Blackhawks and their affiliate, the , developing as a defensive defenseman known for his physicality, strong skating, and ability to disrupt opponents' transitions. On , 2023, Phillips scored his first NHL goal in an 8–5 loss to the . Over the next two seasons, Phillips continued to shuttle between the NHL and AHL, appearing in 56 total NHL games with the Blackhawks while logging significant minutes in Rockford, where he contributed steadily on defense without major injuries impeding his progress. On January 15, 2025, he was traded to the in exchange for defenseman Kuzmin. Following the trade, Phillips joined the Jets' organization and was assigned to their AHL affiliate, the , where he has continued to refine his stay-at-home style, emphasizing shot-blocking and physical play. On July 11, 2025, he re-signed with the Jets on a two-year, with an average annual value of $812,500, maintaining his prospect status for the NHL club as of November 2025.

International career

Eligibility and selection

Isaak Phillips holds Canadian citizenship by birth, having been raised in , . Phillips' unique international debut came through his selection to represent Team in 2018, leveraging his heritage via his father's St. Vincent origins. The Jamaican Olympic Ice Hockey Federation (JOIHF), an IIHF associate member since 2012, initially recruited under-20 players with broader heritage to build the program. This approach aimed to foster development in , where lacks infrastructure, by drawing diaspora players from and the . By 2021, JOIHF shifted to prioritize players with direct Jamaican ancestry, though Phillips remained recognized as an early alumnus. Representing highlighted Phillips' role in promoting hockey in emerging markets, aligning with JOIHF's long-term goals of Olympic qualification and cultural outreach. His selection underscored the federation's strategy to identify skilled prospects from the , contributing to a roster that included players from Canadian junior leagues. This opportunity not only diversified Phillips' international experience but also marked a milestone for Jamaican hockey's global visibility.

2018 Team Elite Hockey Prospect Showcase

Isaak Phillips represented Team Jamaica at the 2018 Team Elite Hockey Prospect Showcase, a U20 held in , , in 2018, featuring teams composed of players with heritage. As the first organized Jamaican hockey team, it provided a platform for young athletes of descent to compete internationally and raise the sport's visibility in the region. Playing as a defenseman, the 16-year-old Phillips, standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 185 pounds, served as a steady and physical presence on the blueline, contributing to Team Jamaica's undefeated 8-0 run to the championship. He recorded two assists over the tournament, helping the team allow just six goals total while emphasizing a strong defensive structure. His performance was highlighted for its competitiveness in the high-paced games, aligning with the showcase's goal of scouting prospects for higher levels. Phillips' participation marked a milestone for Jamaican hockey development, as Team Jamaica's victory elevated the program's profile and fostered a tight-knit group with aspirations for future IIHF and Olympic involvement. The event underscored the growing interest in the sport among diaspora communities in , with Phillips' strong showing contributing to broader exposure for underrepresented nations in .

Career statistics

National Hockey League

Isaak Phillips made his NHL debut with the during the 2021–22 season and accumulated all of his league appearances with the team prior to being traded to the on January 15, 2025. As of November 14, 2025, Phillips has played 56 regular-season games in the NHL, recording 2 goals, 10 assists, and 12 points, along with a cumulative of -37 and 31 penalty minutes. He has not yet appeared in any playoff games. Phillips' playing time increased progressively over his first three full seasons with , reflecting his development as a defensive prospect, though his production remained modest in a bottom-pairing role. In 2021–22, he appeared in just 4 games with no points and a -1 . His season (2022–23) saw expanded usage in 16 games, where he notched his first NHL goal and 5 points total, but struggled defensively with a -10 rating. The 2023–24 campaign marked a career high in games played at 33, yielding 6 assists and a team-leading physical presence among young defensemen, albeit with a challenging -26 amid 's rebuilding phase. In 2024–25, prior to the trade, he played 3 games for , scoring 1 goal with an even . Following the trade to , Phillips has yet to make an NHL appearance with the Jets as of November 2025, instead logging time in the . The following table summarizes Phillips' regular-season statistics in the NHL:
SeasonTeamGPGAPts+/-PIM
2021–22CHI4000-14
2022–23CHI16145-105
2023–24CHI33066-2622
2024–25CHI310100
Total5621012-3731
Source: Hockey-Reference.com As a defenseman, Phillips' progression is evident in his growing ice time and reliability, with games played rising from 4 to 33 over three seasons, and his assist totals peaking at 6 in 2023–24, indicating improved puck-moving ability despite limited offensive output overall. The trade to Winnipeg has positioned him for potential increased opportunities in a more competitive blue line, though his NHL role remains developmental.

American Hockey League

Isaak Phillips began his (AHL) career with the , the primary affiliate of the , during the 2020–21 season, appearing in 27 games and recording 2 goals and 7 assists for 9 points. His performance progressed in the following seasons, with a career-high 25 points (10 goals, 15 assists) over 64 games in 2021–22, showcasing his development as a defensive defenseman capable of contributing offensively. Phillips' AHL tenure with Rockford spanned four full seasons before a mid-2024–25 trade to the organization, after which he joined the for 39 games, adding 3 goals and 5 assists for 8 points. As of November 15, 2025, Phillips has accumulated 91 points (27 goals, 64 assists) in 252 regular-season games across both teams, with a +15 rating and 240 penalty minutes, reflecting his physical, stay-at-home style. The 2021–22 season marked Phillips' breakout year in the AHL, as he established himself as a reliable top-four defenseman for Rockford, logging consistent ice time in all situations and finishing with a neutral despite the team's challenges. In 2022–23, he built on this foundation with 23 points (6 goals, 17 assists) in 51 games, leading the IceHogs' defensemen in at +10 and demonstrating improved defensive positioning through higher blocked shots and hits relative to his rookie year. His 2023–24 campaign was abbreviated to 29 games due to NHL call-ups, where he posted 14 points (4 goals, 10 assists) and a +7 rating, indicating steady growth in puck-moving ability at the AHL level. The 2024–25 season saw split time, starting with 8 points (1 goal, 7 assists) in 28 games for Rockford before the trade, followed by another 8 points in 39 games with , where his role emphasized shutdown defense amid a -11 on a struggling Moose squad. In 2025–26, Phillips has recorded 4 points (1 goal, 3 assists) in 14 games with the as of November 15, 2025.
SeasonTeamGPGAPts+/-PIM
2020–2127279-314
2021–2264101525046
2022–235161723+1080
2023–242941014+720
2024–2528178+854
2024–2539358-1120
2025–2614134+46
Phillips appeared in three AHL playoff series with Rockford, totaling 14 games, 1 goal, and 6 assists for 7 points. In 2021–22, he contributed 2 assists in 5 games during a first-round exit; the following year, he added 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists) in another 5-game series; and in 2023–24, he recorded 2 assists over 4 games. These limited postseason opportunities highlighted his growing reliability in high-pressure defensive matchups. Throughout his AHL career, Phillips showed clear development trends, transitioning from a raw prospect averaging under 15 minutes of ice time in his debut season to a more prominent role exceeding 17 minutes per game by 2022–23, with enhanced defensive metrics like leading Rockford in blocked shots during his peak offensive year. His physicality, evidenced by accumulating over 80 penalty minutes in 2022–23, complemented his improved trends, underscoring adaptation to professional demands despite interruptions from NHL opportunities.

References

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