The Philadelphia Flyers don't necessarily have to spend a ton of money in free agency, given that the market isn't that great. However, it has been hinted that the Flyers could be eyeing a big move that could take them over the edge, especially to help them contend for a Stanley Cup next season.
Recently, the Flyers have been one of the main teams linked to Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski. After news broke that Werenski and the Blue Jackets were set to meet after the NHL Draft to discuss his future, reports indicated that the defenseman was noncommittal once his contract expires in 2028. That then opened the trade talks. But there is another player that the Flyers are targeting from Columbus.
David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reports that while trade talks in Columbus are focused on Werenski, there are also talks for winger Kirill Marchenko. The Flyers are among the teams talking about Marchenko, along with the Montreal Canadiens, Utah Mammoth, and Seattle Kraken.
Trade conversations in Columbus seem focused on Zach Werenski (Dallas chats continue), but teams are still discussing Kirill Marchenko - teams like Montreal, Utah, Seattle, Philly, among others.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 30, 2026
Flyers talking with Blue Jackets about Kirill Marchenko trade
Now this is an interesting development. Having a top young scorer available is something that should interest the Flyers.
Entering the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft, all of the talk surrounding the Blue Jackets was about Werenski and his status with the team. But during the ESPN broadcast, analyst and former NHL goalie Kevin Weekes reported that Marchenko, who is a restricted free agent after next season, has no desire to re-sign with the Blue Jackets. As for what Marchenko is looking for with his next contract, Weekes said they are seeking a deal similar to what the New York Rangers signed Pavel Dorofeyev to. The former Vegas Golden Knights winger agreed to terms with the Rangers on a seven-year, $77 million contract.
Would Marchenko be worth that kind of money? Well, with the rising salary cap on a yearly basis, it will only be a matter of time until the contract looks like a bargain. Marchenko is 25-years-old and with four seasons under his belt, as proven to be a consistent 20-plus goal scorer per year. His best season was the 2024-25 campaign, where he recorded 31 goals and 43 assists for a total of 74 points, all of which were career-highs. This past season, Marchenko recorded 27 goals and 40 assists in 76 games played.
For the Flyers, they don't necessarily need a winger, considering they have plenty of depth. However, if the playoffs showed anything, it's that this is a team that needs desperate help on the power play, which was abysmal in the playoffs (just three goals on 36 opportunities). While Marchenko doesn't have more than 10 power play goals in a season in his career, his scoring ability would be a welcome addition to the Flyers if they are, indeed, seriously pursuing him.
The thing is, would the Flyers be willing to meet the Blue jackets' asking price, whatever that may be? Plus, would they be willing to pay near $11 million per season on a new contract? Those are questions that may be answered at some point this offseason, especially if the Blue Jackets seriously decide to trade away two of their top players.
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