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Thirty-two games into the season and the Chicago Blackhawks have already endured a sexual abuse scandal, the purging of guilty members of management and coaches who were implicated in the scandal, and the firing of their young coach. Kyle Davidson is serving as the interim general manager and Derek King was named interim coach in early November. Both have done serviceable jobs in their roles, but this team has been left without a real identity and direction.

Jonathan Toews returned to the team, but not to his pre-medical issue form. Dylan Strome moves up and down the lines nightly, that is, if he isn't a healthy scratch. The offense is loaded with young prospects who are struggling to light the lamp.

The defense is a rotating cast of kids trying to make this team, but not quite ready, and injuries haven't been kind to the Hawks. The team is reeling and there are no clear answers. And certainly, no major changes are likely to be made until a permanent GM is in place.

We were briefly fooled after King took the reins. In his first month behind the bench, Chicago played inspired hockey. They competed and were in position to win nearly every game. It was short lived, however, as the reality of a broken team reared its ugly head. While I can't wrap my head around what the Blackhawks are or where they are going, there are some obvious answers- things the Blackhawks should do regardless of who is in charge.

Chicago Blackhawks v Toronto Maple Leafs / Claus Andersen/GettyImages

First, the Blackhawks need to move Erik Gustafsson to Rockford or place him on the trade block. This move isn't about cap space, he is making a mere $800,000. It's about effort and his lack of defensive skills.

Gustafsson was brought back in by the Hawks because he tallied 60 points in 2018-2019. However, since then, he hasn't come close. Since his return, he has seven points in 30 games. And, sadly, he has taken first-team powerplay minutes from Seth Jones who has 23 points in 32 games.

Of course, a defensemen's job isn't always to score, but if that's all you have to offer, you better make good on it. Gus hasn't, and the game versus Calgary was a perfect example of his lack of skill and effort. On a powerplay, he was outraced to a puck sent down the ice.

He failed to compete for the puck and then failed to battle for it once the opposing team had it. It lead to a shorthanded goal five seconds later. This is just one instance of many showing his lack of grit and defensive prowess. At this point, he is a liability and is taking minutes from younger prospects.

Second, the Blackhawks need to trade Calvin de Haan at the trade deadline. De Haan is in the last year of his contract and an unrestricted free agent. He is 30 years old and injury prone. While he does have a tendency to give up the puck, he is enjoying his usual year of shot blocking and tallying hits.

Through 28 games, he has 52 blocks and 48 hits, nearly two of each per game. De Haan could provide some penalty kill minutes or physical defensive play for a playoff contender. The Hawks need to trade now while teams are willing to make moves for a cup run.

Third, trade Marc-Andre Fleury to a team not added to his M-NTC clause. I am as thrilled as any Blackhawks' fan when it comes to watching the Flower in the net. He is spectacular and gives Chicago a chance to win most nights.

However, his stint will be short-lived. He is on a one-year contract and is unrestricted. There is likely to be a team heading into the playoffs that needs a goalie to compete. If the right team is in need, Chicago could get a nice prospect in return and ensure they capture that $7 million for the cap next season. Kevin Lankinen looks like he is ready to take the next step, and young Arvid Soderblom looks like he could work his way into being a formidable backup. Chicago needs to take advantage before it's too late.

St Louis Blues v Chicago Blackhawks / Jonathan Daniel/GettyImages

Fourth, do what all fans have been calling for all year- bring up Lukas Reichel. He has 14 points in 18 games and a world of upside. And he shouldn't be coming alone. Alexander Nylander needs another chance in Chicago before he is written off. Nylander has a ton of speed and skill. He just needs a coach who can light his fire. Bring those two up and send Henrik Borgstrom and Philipp Kurashev to Rockford. Both have had ample opportunity to stake their claim on this roster and failed to do so. Glimpses of what they can do isn't cutting it. Plus, the incoming coach and GM will need to know what Reichel and Nylander bring to the table.

Finally, Chicago should put Dominik Kubalik on the trade block. He is a restricted-free agent on the last year of his contract. He has a $3,700,000 cap hit. Through 32 games, Kubalik has only 12 points, five of those coming on the powerplay. He simply hasn't become the offensive power house that he was projected to be. He could provide a second line powerplay unit a shot from the dot if there is a need for a playoff team. The return would likely be a prospect, but would help give Chicago a lot of salary cap wiggle room.

There are other moves that the Blackhawks could make, but these are no-brainers. Do these now, collect the $15 million in cap space. The new GM and coach will have space to work with and be able to set this team on a definable path. Straddling the line between contending and rebuilding was a bust. Time to get serious about rebuilding from the ground up. And that brings up Jonathan Toews.....well, that's another article.

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With little direction and no identity, what can the Blackhawks do now?

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