The NY Isles are not in a "Lose for Hughes" frame of mind. And frankly, they shouldn't be. This is not a team that plays like they are in tank mode, and any fans who wish they would play that way need to realize that with Barry Trotz and Lou Lamoriello at the helm you aren't going to see ANYthing close to a move that puts them in a better position to lose.

Add that to the fact the players are playing with a mission the year...to prove they can actually field a team without John Tavares...and I simply don't see any way the Isles are in the Jack Hughes sweepstakes...They may miss the playoffs, but they won't be a bottom 5 or even likely a bottom ten team...

What's the difference with Trotz?

* They are 6th in shots allowed...that's not great because remember "shots allowed" is NOT a stat you want to be close to #1 in and last year the Isles were #1. Last year they gave up more shots per game than any other team...averaging 35.6.

However, they are finding ways to win games right now, because:

* The Isles are 30th in shots on goal per game, averaging 27.9 shots...Only the Ducks take fewer shots.

That's amazing when you consider they are 16th in goals scored...

The Isles have a team shooting percentage of 11.4%...That's almost exactly equal to the percentage of Tampa (11.5), Colorado (11.4) and Washington (11.4)....and well above contenders like Toronto (10.9) Winnipeg (10.4), Nashville (10.3), Columbus (10.1).

So the Isles need more shots and they need to bring in one powerhouse to take them to the next level.

Over the weekend I kept hearing how the Islanders are gaining momentum when it comes to Artemi Panarin...and in my opinion, they need to make this happen. This kind of game-changer doesn't get on the market very often and his addition is worth making a big move to make it happen.

What could it take?

It could very well take at least one #1 pick. Maybe two. A prospect, and a player that could help the Jackets in the playoffs this year (and help to sell this to their fans).

I would do it...even if you give him the #1 this year (potentially Hughes) because I just don't buy the Isles as really in the sweepstakes...especially if they were to add Panarin...

What say you?

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