If you use Deathgrip to kill an Immortal Phoenix, does the Phoenix see itself being killed and trigger its ability? Can you play the Phoenix from trash outside of normal timing (e.g., during a showdown)?

Ruling: Yes, Immortal Phoenix sees itself being killed by Deathgrip and triggers its ability. You can play the Phoenix from the trash outside of normal base speed timing.

Sequence:

• When Deathgrip kills a unit (including Phoenix itself), the unit is sent to the trash immediately as part of the active kill action, not during cleanup
• Phoenix's trigger condition is met (a spell killed a unit) while Phoenix is in the trash
• You can pay the cost for Phoenix's trigger and replay it from the trash even during a showdown

Nuances:

• This works similarly to Darius Trifarian seeing itself as the second spell played in a turn
• Active kill actions (like Deathgrip) send units to trash immediately, unlike passive kill actions from damage which happen during cleanup
• Example scenario: If defending with Phoenix + another unit, you can Deathgrip the Phoenix to boost the second unit, then replay Phoenix from trash to the same battlefield