The Chicago Blackhawks are focusing their rebuilding efforts on nurturing young talent, with defenseman Isaak Phillips emerging as a particularly interesting prospect. Drafted in 2020, Phillips has established himself as the team’s reliable seventh defenseman, moving back and forth between the Rockford IceHogs and the NHL as necessary. This season has been notable for him; he secured a spot on the Blackhawks’ roster during training camp while defending champion Wyatt Kaiser was sidelined by illness. However, he has since been reassigned to Rockford and recalled to Chicago twice over the course of just 13 games.
Head coach Luke Richardson emphasized the importance of players continuously earning their places in the lineup. Phillips’ playing time depended on veteran T.J. Brodie, but Richardson decided to insert Phillips into the lineup against the LA Kings on November 2, making Brodie a healthy scratch. Richardson noted that Phillips had a strong training camp and, given his ups and downs earlier this season, they wanted to provide him with more playing time.
Phillips possesses a diverse skill set that includes puck movement, skating ability, and physical play, which Richardson highlighted as one of his strengths during training camp. Additionally, Phillips believes he is ready for the NHL but understands the need for patience. He shared with Tab Bamford of Bleacher Nation in September that while everyone aspires to play in the NHL, timing is crucial, and he trusts that those making decisions about his career have his best interests at heart.
In his season debut against LA, Phillips logged 11 minutes of ice time, and Richardson described his performance as “solid,” noting that he played assertively. In his second game against the Anaheim Ducks, paired with Nolan Allan, Phillips scored a crucial goal that put his team ahead 1-0. Across both games, he has recorded 3 hits, 3 blocked shots, and a plus-1 rating. He appears to be settling into his role well, skating effectively and fulfilling his responsibilities.
On November 5, during practice, Phillips and Brodie rotated with Kaiser, leaving uncertainty about his participation in the following game against the Detroit Red Wings on November 6, though it seems likely he will play.
Phillips has met all expectations through his first two games. After the Blackhawks won 4-2 against the Ducks, Richardson praised him for another strong outing, commending the timing of his goal as “excellent.”
Although he may continue to be rotated in and out of the lineup throughout the season, he has demonstrated that he deserves to remain a part of it, which is a positive dilemma for the team.
