Kirill Marchenko should be at the top of Danny Briere’s trade targets

The Philadelphia Flyers continue to add to a talented forward group, as Porter Martone and Trevor Zegras have completely changed the franchise's outlook over the past year. With a seemingly in-shape Matvei Michkov ready to prove the haters wrong and a healthy Owen Tippett, the Flyers are no longer wondering where their next goal will come from. However, with Kirill Marchenko on the trade block, Daniel Briere has to be all over the Columbus Blue Jackets forward.

There are plenty of reasons a trade of this magnitude would make sense for the Flyers. Marchenko has 141 points over the last two seasons, playing on a Columbus team that largely lacks offensive punch and doesn't have many players compatible with the Russian forward. Acquiring Marchenko, who likes to play left wing as a right-shot, would make a ton of sense to pair with Michkov, who likes to do a similar thing on the right wing as a left-shot.

It's no secret now that Briere thinks the Flyers are still at least one forward away from being a true contender. If he didn't think that, he wouldn't have laid down the massive offer sheet to Leo Carlsson, which has completely changed the NHL salary-cap landscape. The good news for Briere is that Marchenko is making over $14 million less than Carlsson this season, and he should come in at a much lower number on his extension.

Does Kirill Marchenko come with red flags?

Obviously, a recent Marchenko chat with local Columbus reporters didn't paint the Russian winger in a great light. During questioning about the trade rumors surrounding him, Marchenko made some interesting, short-sighted comments that could make people wonder about his character and motivation in the league.

Marchenko isn't the first player to want out of a situation; in fact, he isn't the only player involved in controversy on his own team, as Adam Fantilli is currently missing from training camp and Zach Werenski had a questionable summer in Columbus. Flyers fans shouldn't be too concerned about Marchenko, as it is just a sign of changing times in the league and more player empowerment.

Marchenko's fit in Philadelphia makes too much sense. He isn’t going to be relied on as the top dog, since there is plenty of offensive depth around him, and he has a natural linemate in Michkov in both playstyle and Russian heritage. If Briere wants to improve his offense while also unlocking Michkov, Marchenko is a no-brainer.

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