Quoting: Radu47
More of a minor thing but the Vilardi trade doesn't seem ideal for the senators given the positional difference with how many C they have and few RD
Branny is a lefty, and Ottawa doesn't see him as a right side guy. Dorion mentioned on a podcast that they feel he dead ends himself when moving the puck on his off side. He's also currently boxed out of the NHL as they have 7 NHL Dmen, and Sanderson is coming at the end of the year.
Ottawa doesn't really have that much long term at C. They Have Norris as their top guy, Pinto who is probably a 2/3, White who is potentially moving to the wing (Pinto is more suitable as a C, and Ottawa is adding a C this summer). Paul is primarily a winger, but I think he can be a great 4C, and Tierney will be gone by the deadline. As for Prospects, they don't really have anyone close to the NHL besides Pinto.
If Ottawa is shopping Brannstrom, getting a young player with upside would be preferable to trading him for an NHLer without as much offensive talent like Ryan or Dylan Strome. Vilardi might never reach his full potential, but he's already a solid NHL player, and he has the upside to be the most skilled C Ottawa has imo.