If you look at the 2022 draft, Nemec, Jiricek, Korchinski, and Mintyukov all played large parts of last season. Jiricek was probably the least successful, but the other three looked at least decent, if not better. You could argue that ANA, CHI, and CBJ all had weaker defenses, so it was easier to make their teams than Buium ours.
All three Dmen were picked at an earlier spot than 12. Mateychuk was picked at #12 that year, and hasn't played a NHL game yet, though he led his team to the Memorial Cup tournament, paired with our very own Kaleem Parker. He's a bit smaller than Buium, but otherwise a similar build and talent.
I can see Buium playing for us in 25-26 if he has a good year next year. Brodin will be aging but still competent, probably, Middleton will still be around, and at least one of Peart/Hunt/ROR/Lambos ought to be in the lineup, if not both.