If you kill your own Phoenix using Hidden Blade, can Phoenix trigger its ability to return from the trash since it was killed by a spell?

Ruling: Yes, Phoenix can trigger and return from the trash when killed by Hidden Blade. The kill effect moves Phoenix to the trash as part of Hidden Blade's resolution, so Phoenix is in the trash when the spell finishes resolving and can trigger its ability.

Sequence:

• Hidden Blade is played targeting Phoenix (no reactions)
• Hidden Blade resolves: Phoenix is killed (moved to trash) and two cards are drawn
• Phoenix's triggered ability goes on the chain because it was in the trash when a unit was killed by a spell
• Phoenix's ability resolves, allowing you to play it from trash

Nuances:

• Phoenix must be in the trash for its ability to trigger (similar to other "from trash" triggered abilities)
• The kill effect moves the unit to trash during the spell's resolution, not during cleanup
• Phoenix is in the trash by the time Hidden Blade finishes resolving, which is when triggers are checked and put on the chain