Pick 6: Blackhawks are the 2nd-worst team in the NHL

The Mully & Haugh Show dives into the Chicago Blackhawks' disappointing 2025-26 NHL season, acknowledging they’ll finish as the league’s second-worst team behind the Canucks. Despite the poor record, the hosts express cautious optimism, crediting the emergence of young stars like Conor Bedard and Anton Frondell as signs of progress. They highlight the team’s deep minor league talent and the potential for future success through strategic offseason moves, including trading draft picks to acquire veteran players like Auston Matthews or Brady Katchuk. The conversation shifts to the upcoming Bears NFL Draft, where the hosts debate whether Chicago should stay at pick 25 or move up for top talent. They emphasize the importance of drafting the best player available, with Caleb Downs as a standout target for the secondary, and discuss positional needs at safety, edge rusher, and offensive line. The episode balances criticism of the current roster’s lack of physicality and goaltending support with hope for a turnaround built on youth and smart management. Key takeaways include: 1) The Blackhawks’ future hinges on leveraging their top-tier minor league talent and strategic trades; 2) Young players like Bedard and Frondell show promise, but the team needs veteran leadership and physical presence; 3) The Bears should prioritize the best player available at 25, with Caleb Downs as a transformative defensive prospect; 4) Moving up in the draft for a foundational player like Downs could be worth the cost; 5) The team’s long-term success depends on balancing youth development with immediate upgrades.