TOP STORYLINES IN THIS RANKING: ✅ THE BATTLE FOR NO. 1: Why Bukala has Stenberg over McKenna (and why plus-minus matters). ✅ CALEB MALHOTRA'S RISE: Is he the undisputed top center in the class after a dominant playoff run? ✅ ELITE DEFENSEMEN: Analysis on Keaton Verhoeff, Carson Carels, and why Chase Reid is a "transitional beast." ✅ SLEEPERS & RISERS: Why names like J.P. Hurlbert and Adam Valentini are flying under the radar. Jason Bukala provides NHL projections for the top names, from top-pairing defenders to franchise-altering centers. Whether you're a fan of the rebuilding teams looking for a savior or just a draft junkie, this is the breakdown you need. WHO IS YOUR NO. 1 FOR 2026? Do you agree with Bukala's list? Presented by: Draft Kings Use PROMO Code THPN tinyurl.com/DKSBTHPN Download the Draft Kings Sportsbook app and use code THPN. That's code THPN to turn five bucks into $300 in bonus bets if your bet wins. In partnership with Draft Kings - The Crown is Yours. Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (four six seven three six nine). In Connecticut , help is available for problem gambling. Call triple eight (888) seven eight nine triple seven seven seven seven or visit ccpg.org. Please play responsibly. On Behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resorts. Pass thr of per wager tax may apply in Illinois. 21 plus age eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario, restrictions apply. Bet MUST win to receive bonus bets which will expire in seven days. Minimum odds required, for additional terms and responsible gaming resources seek DKNG.co/audio, this is a limited time offer. Be sure to check out GASSY JACK ARThttp://gassyjackart.com Gassy Jack Art produces hockey prints on archival paper and canvas that have been rated to last over 100 years. Their product range features a variety of players from different teams including Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche, Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks and more. Get your LINE CHANGE MERCHANDISEhttp://thelinechangepodcast.threadless.com Find us on Social Media! Instagram: instagram.com/thelinechange Twitter / X: https://x.com/LineChangeVAN Tik Tok: https://tiktok.com/@thetlcpodcast Facebook: 'Search the Line Change Podcast' for our page Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/thelinechange.bsky.social Be a part of the DISCUSSION on our official DISCORD server!https://discord.gg/8vp9QQX5Wz Check us out on PATREON!https://www.patreon.com/c/TheLineChangeVAN Listen to us on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/4ONsO3NvKDW1zaaO31gvmo Listen to us on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-line-change/id1798678329 For all media inquiries please email us at [email protected] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.