Chicago strengthens defensive depth by adding Kuzmin, a rising star with international experience, while Phillips heads to Winnipeg.
The Chicago Blackhawks announced today that they have obtained defenseman Dmitry Kuzmin from the Winnipeg Jets in return for defenseman Isaak Phillips.
Kuzmin, 21, has played in 21 matches with the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League for the 2024-25 season, earning four points (1G, 3A). His 21 matches, three assists, and four points represent career bests in his professional journey. In the 2023-24 season, Kuzmin accumulated three points (1G, 2A) in 18 regular-season matches with the Moose and achieved nine points (2G, 7A) in 24 regular-season contests with the Norfolk Admirals of the East Coast Hockey League.
trade alert🔔
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Kuzmin and Blackhawks 2024 first-round pick Artyom Levshunov secured a gold medal with Team Belarus at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship Division 1 tournament, recording five points (1G, 4A) over five matches. Moreover, Kuzmin recorded five points (1 goal, 4 assists) in five games with Team Belarus during the 2021 IIHF U18 World Championships.

The Kholstovo, Belarus-born player was initially selected by Winnipeg in the third round (82nd overall) during the 2021 NHL Draft.
Phillips, 23, has participated in three games with the Blackhawks this season, netting one goal. He has additionally played in 28 AHL games for the Rockford IceHogs, placing third among the team’s defensemen with eight points (1G, 7A).
Also Read: Maple Leafs Reassign Marshall Rifai to AHL
The native of Barrie, Ontario, has played in 56 regular-season NHL games with Chicago from 2021 to 2024, recording 12 points (2 goals, 10 assists). He has also accumulated 79 points (23G, 56A) over 299 regular-season games with Rockford from 2020 to 2025. Moreover, he has earned seven points (1G, 6A) in 14 career Calder Cup Playoff matches, all played with the IceHogs.
Image Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
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