I also share your concern about the transition game with that defence. However, on the other hand, I also remember the transition game under Hartley's Flames and how fast it was, even though after Brodie, Giordano and Wideman, there wasn't much skill there either. I think if the Flames play fast and have the mindset to move the puck forward ASAP, it could work.
Weegar, Miromanov, Andersson and Barrie should all be fairly good at it, and if the other D at least move move the puck up (and the forwards are able to give them an open target), it could be better than we think.
Defending is what I am most worried about. I can see a lot of clean breakaways against, as well as odd-man rushes, guys getting out of position trying to cover the same opponent, etc.
Going to be an interesting season at worst, and a fun season at best, even if the results add up to a lot more losing than winning.
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