Capitals and Flyers eye Werenski and Marchenko in 2026 trade market

Zach Werenski tops the list of 40 NHL trade targets at age 28 under a 2-year $9.58 million contract.

Capitals forward and defense needs

Chris Patrick confirmed conversations with agents for Brandon Duhaime and Trevor van Riemsdyk yet offered no commitment on returns. Kevin Weekes reported Capitals interest in pending UFA Boone Jenner to add forward depth. The team already identified needs for one defenseman and forward help ahead of the 2026 offseason.

The Capitals therefore rank Werenski first among trade options because his 28-year-old profile and remaining term fit a contending window. Interest in Jenner as a UFA alternative contrasts with the higher cost of a Werenski acquisition from Columbus.

Danny Briere stated the Flyers retain the same top-five defensemen from their second-round 2025 playoff run. Rasmus Ristolainen enters the final year of his deal at age 31 on a $5.1 million cap hit.

Werenski and Marchenko availability

Frank Seravalli noted the Blue Jackets hold no obligation to move Werenski this summer. Dallas, Philadelphia, Carolina and San Jose already registered interest while Toronto and Tampa Bay loom as additional suitors.

Montreal also surfaces among teams tracking Kirill Marchenko, the 25-year-old right winger signed for one year at $3.85 million. Werenski at 2 x $9.58 million and Marchenko at 1 x $3.85 million create complementary acquisition profiles.

The Blue Jackets list ranks Werenski number one and Marchenko number five on the overall trade-target board. Both contracts remain affordable relative to other names such as Dylan Larkin at 5 x $8.7 million.

Flyers blue-line and forward depth options

Briere’s public stance on Ristolainen leaves open the possibility of a trade that could free cap space. Werenski would slot directly beside the existing top-five group and extend defensive stability beyond Ristolainen’s expiring deal.

Marchenko supplies secondary scoring that pairs with Owen Tippett’s 6-year $6.2 million extension already on the books. The Flyers could therefore address two positions with one Blue Jackets package.

Werenski’s age-28 production window and Marchenko’s one-year term create low-risk entry points before the 2026-27 season begins.

The Capitals and Flyers therefore hold the clearest paths to immediate roster upgrades from Columbus.