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Isaak Phillips
View on WikipediaIsaak 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
[edit]- ^ "As Jamaican hockey movement grows, Blackhawks' Isaak Phillips could soon become its first NHL alumnus". Chicago Sun-Times. April 10, 2021. Retrieved June 22, 2022.
- ^ "Blackhawks Select Eight in 2020 NHL Draft". Rockford IceHogs. October 7, 2020. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
- ^ "RELEASE: Blackhawks Agree to Terms with Isaak Phillips". Chicago Blackhawks. March 21, 2021. Retrieved March 21, 2021.
- ^ Dusterberg, Kurt (October 30, 2021). "Hurricanes remain undefeated, deny Blackhawks first win". National Hockey League. Retrieved October 30, 2021.
- ^ Miles, Bruce (January 15, 2023). "Kraken score 8, cruise past Blackhawks to sweep 7-game road trip". National Hockey League. Retrieved January 15, 2023.
- ^ "Jets acquire defenceman Isaak Phillips from Blackhawks". Winnipeg Jets. January 15, 2025. Retrieved January 15, 2025.
- ^ "Jets sign defenceman Isaak Phillips to a two-year, two-way contract". NHL.com. Winnipeg Jets. July 11, 2025. Retrieved July 13, 2025.
- ^ "Phillips wins with Jamaica, eyes spot with Wolves". thesudburystar. Retrieved June 22, 2022.
External links
[edit]- Biographical information and career statistics from NHL.com, or Eliteprospects.com, or The Internet Hockey Database
Isaak Phillips
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Family and upbringing
Isaak Phillips was born on September 28, 2001, in Barrie, Ontario, Canada.[8] He was raised in Barrie, a city located about an hour north of Toronto, where he spent his early childhood in a family environment centered around his mother, Joan Phillips, who resided there during his formative years.[9] Phillips grew up in Barrie, where he developed close friendships in the local community prior to focusing on hockey.[10] His father originated from the Caribbean, contributing to a multicultural family dynamic. Phillips has a sister, Danika.[11][12]Ethnic heritage
Isaak Phillips has a multicultural ethnic heritage, blending Afro-Vincentian descent on his paternal side with Finnish ancestry on his maternal side.[2][13] His father's origins trace to St. Vincent in the Caribbean, where his paternal grandparents were born, establishing his connection to Afro-Caribbean roots.[13][2] Phillips' mother is Finnish, contributing to his mixed European and Caribbean background.[2] This dual heritage informs Phillips' identity as a biracial Canadian, highlighting the diverse influences that shape his personal and cultural outlook.[2] Born and raised in Barrie, Ontario, his family diversity played a role in his upbringing amid Canada's multicultural environment.[2] In his public persona as an NHL player, Phillips represents increased ethnic diversity in professional hockey, serving as a role model 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."[2] This aspect of his heritage underscores his contributions to broadening the sport's inclusivity.[2]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.[14] 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.[15][16] 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.[16] He contributed offensively with 3 goals and 11 assists for 14 points, alongside 54 penalty minutes, and added 1 assist in 8 playoff games.[16] His play emphasized gap control and puck retrieval, building a foundation for further development.[13] 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.[16] The season ended prematurely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but his growth highlighted emerging two-way potential as a defenseman.[13] 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.[17] The following table summarizes Phillips' regular-season statistics with the Sudbury Wolves:| Season | Games Played | Goals | Assists | Points | Penalty Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018–19 | 68 | 3 | 11 | 14 | 54 |
| 2019–20 | 63 | 9 | 17 | 26 | 27 |
Professional career
Phillips was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the fifth round, 141st overall, of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. Following a strong junior career in the Ontario Hockey League with the Sudbury Wolves, Phillips joined the Blackhawks' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs, on an amateur tryout agreement on January 20, 2021.[18] He appeared in 27 games during the 2020–21 season, recording 2 goals and 7 assists for 9 points.[1] Phillips signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Blackhawks on March 31, 2021.[3] Phillips made his NHL debut on October 29, 2021, in a 6–3 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, where he recorded no points in four games that season.[4] He split the majority of his early professional seasons between the Blackhawks and their American Hockey League affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs, developing as a defensive defenseman known for his physicality, strong skating, and ability to disrupt opponents' transitions.[19] On January 14, 2023, Phillips scored his first NHL goal in an 8–5 loss to the Seattle Kraken.[20] 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.[5] On January 15, 2025, he was traded to the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for defenseman Dmitry Kuzmin.[6] Following the trade, Phillips joined the Jets' organization and was assigned to their AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose, where he has continued to refine his stay-at-home style, emphasizing shot-blocking and physical play.[1] On July 11, 2025, he re-signed with the Jets on a two-year, two-way contract with an average annual value of $812,500, maintaining his prospect status for the NHL club as of November 2025.[7]International career
Eligibility and selection
Isaak Phillips holds Canadian citizenship by birth, having been raised in Barrie, Ontario.[2] Phillips' unique international debut came through his selection to represent Team Jamaica in 2018, leveraging his Caribbean heritage via his father's St. Vincent origins.[2] The Jamaican Olympic Ice Hockey Federation (JOIHF), an IIHF associate member since 2012, initially recruited under-20 players with broader Caribbean heritage to build the program.[2] This approach aimed to foster development in Jamaica, where ice hockey lacks infrastructure, by drawing diaspora players from Canada and the United States.[2] By 2021, JOIHF shifted to prioritize players with direct Jamaican ancestry, though Phillips remained recognized as an early alumnus.[2] Representing Jamaica highlighted Phillips' role in promoting hockey in emerging markets, aligning with JOIHF's long-term goals of Olympic qualification and cultural outreach.[2] His selection underscored the federation's strategy to identify skilled prospects from the Caribbean diaspora, contributing to a roster that included players from Canadian junior leagues.[1] This opportunity not only diversified Phillips' international experience but also marked a milestone for Jamaican hockey's global visibility.[2]2018 Team Elite Hockey Prospect Showcase
Isaak Phillips represented Team Jamaica at the 2018 Team Elite Hockey Prospect Showcase, a U20 tournament held in Toronto, Ontario, in June 2018, featuring teams composed of players with Caribbean heritage.[21][2] As the first organized Jamaican hockey team, it provided a platform for young athletes of Caribbean descent to compete internationally and raise the sport's visibility in the region.[2] 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.[21] He recorded two assists over the tournament, helping the team allow just six goals total while emphasizing a strong defensive structure.[21] His performance was highlighted for its competitiveness in the high-paced games, aligning with the showcase's goal of scouting prospects for higher levels.[21] 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.[21][2] The event underscored the growing interest in the sport among Caribbean diaspora communities in Canada, with Phillips' strong showing contributing to broader exposure for underrepresented nations in ice hockey.[2]Career statistics
National Hockey League
Isaak Phillips made his NHL debut with the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2021–22 season and accumulated all of his league appearances with the team prior to being traded to the Winnipeg Jets 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 plus/minus of -37 and 31 penalty minutes.[22] He has not yet appeared in any playoff games.[22] Phillips' playing time increased progressively over his first three full seasons with Chicago, 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 plus/minus.[22] His sophomore 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.[22] 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 plus/minus amid Chicago's rebuilding phase.[22] In 2024–25, prior to the trade, he played 3 games for Chicago, scoring 1 goal with an even plus/minus.[22] Following the trade to Winnipeg, Phillips has yet to make an NHL appearance with the Jets as of November 2025, instead logging time in the American Hockey League. The following table summarizes Phillips' regular-season statistics in the NHL:| Season | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | CHI | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1 | 4 |
| 2022–23 | CHI | 16 | 1 | 4 | 5 | -10 | 5 |
| 2023–24 | CHI | 33 | 0 | 6 | 6 | -26 | 22 |
| 2024–25 | CHI | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 56 | 2 | 10 | 12 | -37 | 31 |
American Hockey League
Isaak Phillips began his American Hockey League (AHL) career with the Rockford IceHogs, the primary affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks, during the 2020–21 season, appearing in 27 games and recording 2 goals and 7 assists for 9 points.[1] 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.[1] Phillips' AHL tenure with Rockford spanned four full seasons before a mid-2024–25 trade to the Winnipeg Jets organization, after which he joined the Manitoba Moose for 39 games, adding 3 goals and 5 assists for 8 points.[6] 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 plus/minus rating and 240 penalty minutes, reflecting his physical, stay-at-home style.[1] 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 plus/minus despite the team's challenges.[23] In 2022–23, he built on this foundation with 23 points (6 goals, 17 assists) in 51 games, leading the IceHogs' defensemen in plus/minus at +10 and demonstrating improved defensive positioning through higher blocked shots and hits relative to his rookie year.[1] 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.[1] 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 Manitoba, where his role emphasized shutdown defense amid a -11 plus/minus on a struggling Moose squad.[1] In 2025–26, Phillips has recorded 4 points (1 goal, 3 assists) in 14 games with the Manitoba Moose as of November 15, 2025.[1]| Season | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020–21 | Rockford IceHogs | 27 | 2 | 7 | 9 | -3 | 14 |
| 2021–22 | Rockford IceHogs | 64 | 10 | 15 | 25 | 0 | 46 |
| 2022–23 | Rockford IceHogs | 51 | 6 | 17 | 23 | +10 | 80 |
| 2023–24 | Rockford IceHogs | 29 | 4 | 10 | 14 | +7 | 20 |
| 2024–25 | Rockford IceHogs | 28 | 1 | 7 | 8 | +8 | 54 |
| 2024–25 | Manitoba Moose | 39 | 3 | 5 | 8 | -11 | 20 |
| 2025–26 | Manitoba Moose | 14 | 1 | 3 | 4 | +4 | 6 |
