New Jersey Devils: 5 Potential Jonas Siegenthaler Replacements

#3. Erik Brannstrom, Ottawa Senators

The Ottawa Senators are sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. The 2023-24 season hasn't been kind to them whatsoever, and now the team needs to consider their future with certain players following the GM and coaching changes. Defenseman Erik Brannstrom has long been a player under the microscope out there.

The 24-year-old has been a career bottom-pairing defenseman who hasn't entirely lived up to his 15th-overall pick draft status. However, the opportunities haven't always been there either.

Brannstrom is averaging fewer than 16 minutes of ice time this season on a struggling Senators team. The Swede had the best year of his career by far last season, so maybe the Devils would be willing to take a flier on a high-upside play. Brannstrom's underlying defensive numbers have always been poor, but they were about average last season. On the flip side, his underlying offensive numbers (at even strength) have been excellent.

Undoubtedly, the Devils' system would give Brannstrom a chance to flourish on a more competitive team. Obviously, multiple factors are at play here, including whether the Sens actually want to move him and what the cost will be if so. Brannstrom just turned 24 in September and will be an RFA in the summer, so he comes with team control. If available, the Devils wouldn't be the only team after him.