I imagine you'd be able to get something at the deadline for him

Yup, just looking at the absolute worst case scenario, it's still not nearly as bad as people think. We still got our core locked up to great contracts, with how loaded the 2024 UFA class is, there's absolutely no way every single good UFA will sign with another team over us (The fact Arizona and Detroit have been signing so many UFAs proves this). Sens are definitely going to be behind Devils and Sabres in competitive window, and who knows with how well Columbus and Detroit progresses, but overall they still look to be a strong team.

Trading Brannstrom for 3rd + 4th would be incredibly bad. I wouldn't trade him for a late 1st right now. He is developing into a quality hockey player. Advanced stats + eye test don't lie

And this is not an "exceptionally competitive team"... as long as Dorion and DJ Smith will be there, it will be massively flawed.

I assume in this scenario both are canned. Also, Smith is flawed, but I legit think the bigger culprit are the assistant coaches.