scratching brannstrom for holl?

Pretty safe to say Zaitsev is staying unless he's going back the other way in a deal for a 3m+ defender

If they are looking to make a playoff push instead of just letting guys play with no expectations, that very well might happen especially since Brannstrom is primarily a LD. He will have to earn his spot in the line up and so would Sanderson probably.

agree, but is holl that much of an upgrade, even when hes slotted in the top 4? I understand what you're saying though

When he's good, he can help form a shutdown pair. If he's not good and Brannstrom on the right side is better, Ott coaching will have no problem scratching him. The chances of this happening are slime anyways. Holl is probably going to be an own rental for the Leafs.

I don't see Holl as any kind of upgrade in a Top 4 roll. Sanderson should be playing with Branstrom, their two styles would match well. Then long-term Sanderson and JDB is a match made in heaven, and already have great chemistry from a full season together in University. I would bet that Sanderson - JDB becomes a long-standing 2nd pairing, and help make up a great top 4.

Holl would be replacing Zaitsev. Playing Branstrom on his offside might work but he's not a developed dman so chances are that a pairing with him and Sanderson (another developing dman) gets burnt. If Ottawa doesn't have any expectations and are only focused on development they might try that pairing and keep them if they have their ups along with the downs.