The Carolina Hurricanes are heading into the 2025 offseason with a clear mandate: improve the team and contend for the Stanley Cup. After another deep playoff run that ended in the Eastern Conference Finals, General Manager Eric Tulsky has signaled a willingness to spend to maximize the team's potential. With over $28 million in cap space, the Hurricanes are well-positioned to be aggressive in free agency. Here are three free agents they should target this summer:

1. Matt Duchene (C)

The Hurricanes have been searching for a reliable second-line center since Vincent Trocheck's departure. While Sebastian Aho has solidified himself as a top-line center, the Hurricanes need someone to provide scoring depth and take some of the pressure off Aho. Matt Duchene could be the perfect fit.

Coming off a stellar season with the Dallas Stars, Duchene tallied impressive numbers, showcasing his offensive capabilities. Duchene is a versatile player who can contribute in all zones, and his experience would be invaluable to the Hurricanes' younger players. He also brings a strong presence in the faceoff circle, an area where the Hurricanes could use improvement. Duchene's proven ability to produce offensively and his experience make him an ideal target for the Hurricanes.

2. Nikolaj Ehlers (LW)

One of the most glaring needs for the Hurricanes is additional scoring on the wings, particularly in their top six. Andrei Svechnikov and Seth Jarvis are excellent forwards, but the team needs more firepower to compete with the league's top offensive teams. Nikolaj Ehlers from the Winnipeg Jets could provide that spark.

Ehlers is a dynamic winger with exceptional speed and skill. He has consistently demonstrated his ability to score goals and create plays. Ehlers would add a new dimension to the Hurricanes' offense, providing a threat off the rush and improving their overall scoring depth. His versatility allows him to play on either wing, giving coach Rod Brind'Amour flexibility in line combinations. Ehlers' offensive talent and versatility would make him a valuable addition to the Hurricanes' top six.

3. Aaron Ekblad (D)

While the Hurricanes already boast a strong defensive core, adding a top-end, right-handed defenseman could elevate their blue line to an elite level. Aaron Ekblad of the Florida Panthers fits that bill. Although the Hurricanes have promising young defensemen in their system, such as Scott Morrow, adding a proven veteran like Ekblad could provide stability and leadership.

Ekblad is a former first-overall pick with a wealth of experience. He is a strong skater, a solid defender, and has the ability to contribute offensively. Pairing him with Jaccob Slavin would create a formidable top pairing, giving the Hurricanes a significant advantage against opposing teams' top lines. Although Ekblad comes with a higher price tag, his impact on both ends of the ice would be well worth the investment. His presence would solidify the Hurricanes' defense and make them a tougher team to play against.