We've talked about some of the more outlandish potential targets the Hurricanes could go after, though my push for Brad Marchand might not look so crazy after Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final. Now, it's time to look at some options the Canes might consider that aren't as expensive as Mitch Marner, but will still cost a pretty penny.
There are three consensus needs the Hurricanes have this offseason. First, they need a winger or two who can score. Second, they need a better second-line center. Third, they should consider a puck-moving right-handed defenseman to potentially play next to Jaccob Slavin. I've offered an option for each of their issues, including an extra winger for good measure.
Aaron Ekblad
There's a growing sense that the Hurricanes need to look at a top-end right-handed defenseman. Many are pointing to Scott Morrow's postseason struggles as a reason to let him season a little more in the AHL. While I don't necessarily agree, more time developing isn't the worst thing in the world. Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad is hands down the top RHD on the market.
The former top pick had a weird year. He was good when he was in the lineup, scoring 33 points in 56 games. However, Ekblad was suspended for 20 games for violating the league's Performance Enhancing Substances Policy, forcing him out of the final 18 games of the season and two playoff games. He was suspended again for two games for a hit against Brandon Hagel in the first round.
Still, Ekblad is an impact player who'd pair nicely at the top of the Canes' lineup. He's been good this postseason, showing why he'll make a lot of money this offseason. I'm not convinced he's going to leave Florida. He's been a Panther his entire career, so a location change would be massive. I'd place the Canes' need for a defenseman at the bottom of the list, but Ekblad would be a huge addition.
Sam Bennett
Another Panther shooting their stock through the roof right now is center Sam Bennett. He's the league's leading goal scorer through Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, sitting as one of two players in double digits. While he's projected to only get $6.4 million per season by Daily Faceoff, I'm willing to bet teams will give out a lot more than that for a proven playoff performer.
Starting his career with the Flames, Bennett's game hit another gear after being traded to the Panthers in 2021. He has eclipsed 20 goals in three of his four full seasons in Sunrise, scoring 25 this season and setting a career-high with 51 points. He's a true agitator who is built for postseason hockey, making him a popular name on the market this offseason.
I think the Hurricanes are more likely to explore the trade market to fill their second-line center hole. There are a few decent options on the open market, and Bennett is clearly the best. The biggest hangup will be how much money he wants. I also don't know whether Bennett will want to leave Florida. The Panthers can't keep all of their free agents, but they could prioritize keeping Bennett.
Nikolaj Ehlers
One of the most glaring holes on the Hurricanes' roster is on the wings, especially in their Top 6. Andrei Svechnikov and Seth Jarvis are excellent forwards, but the group needs more firepower up top. That's why I think they'll focus most of their energy and cap space on addressing that issue. The first name I'd look at is Winnipeg's Nikolaj Ehlers.
The Hurricanes were linked to Ehlers last offseason, with Martin Necas being viewed as a potential piece heading back to Winnipeg. Obviously, that never materialized as Ehlers played the entire season with the Jets. Ehlers has been a consistent 20+-goal, 50-60-point player across his ten seasons in Winnipeg, scoring 24 goals and 63 points this season.
Ehlers hasn't seen much postseason success during his career. This postseason was arguably his best, scoring five goals and seven points in eight games as the Jets were eliminated in the second round. Still, he's an offensive threat almost every time he's on the ice. He could be a great addition to the power play as a playmaker.
Brock Boeser
When talking about consistency, you also know exactly what Brock Boeser brings to the table. Boeser, who has played all nine seasons in Vancouver, is normally an upper-20s-goal scorer and around 45-55 points. He tied for second on the Canucks this season with 50 points, and finished second in goals with 25.
He's another player who can contribute on the power play. 20 of his 50 points this season came on the man advantage, trailing only Quinn Hughes for the team lead. Boeser was a little more physical this season, too, laying a career-high 76 hits. Like many of his teammates, he's only played in the postseason twice, but he was a point-per-game player during the 2024 playoffs.
I'm a little concerned about the price point for him. He's projected to earn close to $8.5 million, but it's anyone's guess how much it could really be. At that price, I'd expect him to net close to what he did in 2023-24, when he scored 40 goals and 73 points. If I had to choose, I'd probably prefer Ehlers to Boeser, but I certainly won't complain if the Canes took a reasonable swing and signed Boeser.