TEMPE, Ariz. — The Chicago Blackhawks placed defenseman Alex Vlasic in concussion protocol and called up Isaak Phillips on Sunday, the first call-up from the Rockford IceHogs this season.
Vlasic hobbled off the ice Friday after Golden Knights forward Brett Howden leveled him with a blindside hit. Vlasic was sent to Chicago for further evaluation.
Meanwhile Phillips — who Hawks coach Luke Richardson characterized as the last player cut during training camp — “for sure” will play Monday against the Phoenix Coyotes at Mullett Arena.
“We liked his camp, so the message to him is to keep playing aggressive and simple and moving the puck up,” Richardson said. “That’s what he does when he’s playing his best.”
Phillips wore a big grin while talking to reporters after practice at Mountain America Community Iceplex in Tempe, Ariz.
“Feels good to be around the guys,” he said. “Obviously you’re not rooting for an injury, but an opportunity’s an opportunity, so just excited to play. Show that I can be here.”
As happy as he was, Phillips admitted he didn’t expect to be cut.
“I was definitely disappointed,” he said. “I was happy with my camp. I think it’s just one of those things that you can choose to take it as an insult or take it as a positive and kind of have that chip on your shoulder.”
The 2020 fifth-round pick by the Hawks paired with Connor Murphy during practice.
Murphy said, “He looked like one of our best defensemen in training camp, so it’s really cool to see he’s coming back right away.
“I feel like his confidence has built so much and he’s always been that like a really good athlete and seems to skate so well. He’s really physically strong, stronger than a lot of other guys he plays against, so that helps so much defending.”
Phillips, 22, showed a bit of offense too.
Chicago Tribune Sports
Weekdays
A daily sports newsletter delivered to your inbox for your morning commute.
He had a goal and two assists in five games for Rockford, leading IceHogs defensemen with 3 points.
Last season for the Hawks, he had a goal and four assists in 16 games.
Phillips said coaches on both levels have told him to keep “using my strengths, my skating, my size, my speed, winning those battles down low.
“And then just being smart with the puck, making good puck plays, moving it quick, not overhand.”
Richardson said Phillips improved from last season.
“That’s just reps,” the coach said. “He’s feeling more comfortable. He definitely is a great athlete, good skater, so just fine-tuning” how he handles the puck.
“It’s simplifying things. Sometimes not even stickhandling, it’s good body position for a D to get it and just move it to the forwards. It’s very efficient, and that’s what we want him to be: more efficient than anything else.”