Hmmm very tough call.
I’m on the fence.
Let’s look at your D corps.
Hamilton and Montour given his emergence are locks imo.
Chabot is still only 26 and highly skilled, but there are very troubling signs with him. First, he cannot seem to stay healthy, and the heavy usage at a young age seems to have worn him out. Second, he had not proven to be effective on the PP (ask a diehard Sens fan), and might not see PP1 time again with Chychrun there and Sanderson emerging. His peripherals are good, but nothing mind-blowing. I know it seems crazy but he’s not necessarily a lock.
Doughty is 34 in December, and had an excellent season last year after a down year. Solid PPPs and peripherals to be sure.
But let’s compare to Letang. Last year was a down year, and over the years he has certainly been a bandaid boy. But the 5-6 years before that he was amazing, and his numbers blow away Chabot and Doughty. Look at his takeaways for example, better than both, and great peripherals always.
Letang turned 36 in April, but he has the body and fitness to remain in productive for the next 2-3 years. The EK signing certainly may hurt him on the PP side, but while EK likely inherits PP1 nothings set in stone yet, and they may go 2D, and EK isn’t always healthy…. but let’s assume he loses PP time and PPPs, ok that’ll hurt one category. But he’ll still play with Crosby (most likely) at ES. If anything a slight decrease in his overall TOI may do wonders for his performance.
She back to your question.
In a keeper I’d indeed drop Letang, but it will suck, and imo it’s close with Chabot and Doughty. To me it’s just the reality of his age and limited number of years left that does it, plus having Chabot and Sanderson is a good handcuff scenario for you.
I don’t see any Fs you’d drop instead.
That said - how will Letang do in 2023/24? I think he’ll have a great season if a bit more subdued on the PP. Think high 50s to low 60s points (with lots of PP time if EL goes down, that ratchets up), and good peripheral as usual. He’ll be energized and motivated with EK there, if anything.
Good luck!