The Chicago Blackhawks fell to 1-5-0 after the Carolina Hurricanes methodically picked them apart on Saturday night. While losing 5-2 to the defending Stanley Cup champions wasn’t unexpected, the lack of signs they could pull out of this disastrous start was disappointing. The frustration in the locker room and in the stands is reaching new heights.

The Blackhawks acquired Bowen Byram over the summer to be their new No. 1 defenseman. General manager Kyle Davidson gave up a lot to get him, including the fourth overall pick in this year’s draft and defenseman Louis Crevier. He then quickly signed him to a six-year, $75 million contract extension that kicks in next season.

Both Byram and Davidson said the 25-year-old defender would take on the challenge of becoming the team’s top blueliner. He hadn’t had that chance yet, starting his career behind elite defenders like Cale Makar and Rasmus Dahlin.

Byram made a great first impression in a Blackhawks uniform, scoring a hat trick in his first preseason appearance against the Minnesota Wild. However, the regular-season version hasn’t lived up to our hopes.

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