Let me start by saying I'm ready for the new hockey season. Coming up with offseason topics is fun for a while, but it is starting to run its course. Good thing we are almost there.

Okay, let's get to the defense.

I have spent far too much time talking about Calgary's forward group, going on and on about whether they are skilled enough to hang with the NHL's true contenders. While doing this, I have neglected another major question regarding the Flames as we get closer to the new season.

Should we be concerned about the defense?

Of course, when Calgary's defense comes to mind, the first thing one might think of is the loss of Mark Giordano. Obviously, this is for a good reason. Not only was he the organization's leader, but he was also a key piece of the team's blueline. Once it became clear that the team would indeed lose their captain, one of the more popular topics of conversation surrounded how the Flames would replace him. In truth, they really didn't. Yes, Brad Treliving added Nikita Zadorov to the ranks, but it's hard to argue that he fill Giordano's shoes.

With Zadorov the only new face on Calgary's blueline, the Flames are counting on many returning cast members to get the job done. Personally, I'm not too sure that is a recipe for success.

When you look at the Flames' top two defensemen, you have Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev. Starting with Hanifin, I am not convinced he is a top-pairing guy. We continue to talk about his progression like he is still a prospect, hoping he aspires to that reliable top-pairing role. The fact is that Hanifin is no longer a green thumb in this league. With 436 games under his belt, what we see likely is what we will get from him, and that is not a preferable top-pair defenseman. With Tanev, there is no doubt he was Calgary's best blue-liner last year. However, are we confident that he can maintain that level of success. Of course, I'd love to see it, but I'm just not that sure.

After Hanifin and Tanev, Calgary's third-most known commodity is Rasmus Andersson. Unfortunately, he suffered quite the down-year last season. Yes, there is always a chance he rebounds this season, and the Flames are definitely counting on it. Then you have Zadorov, who will likely start the year on the second pair. Again, I'm not sure he belongs there long-term.

I'm sure Calgary is hopeful that Juuso Valimaki will earn his way into the top-four. He definitely has the talent to do so but also needs to have a better season than last year to make it happen. Valimaki will almost certainly start the year on the bottom pair unless he impresses during camp and the pre-season. Who knows who will be his partner. It's a bit of a potpourri of unknowns at this point.

The reality is there are still too many questions surrounding this blueline to feel comfortable. Calgary is counting on too many people to step up in bigger roles or experience bounce-back seasons. It's tough to pull off now, but the Flames would benefit from a reliable addition to at least fill a top-four spot. Ideally, they need a top-two guy. Unfortunately, that simply isn't happening at this juncture.

Like almost every aspect of this roster, Brad Treliving hopes for the best-case scenario with every piece of Calgary's defense. We all know how that is likely to turn out.

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