New Jersey Devils Strengthen Future by Selecting Swedish Two-Way Center Alexander Command in 2026 NHL Draft
The New Jersey Devils have added another promising young player to their organization after selecting Swedish center Alexander Command with the 12th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Rather than using the selection as part of a trade package, the franchise chose to invest in a prospect they believe has the potential to become an important piece of its future.
Command arrives with an impressive reputation as a reliable two-way center who combines offensive production with strong defensive responsibility. His style of play, work ethic, and competitive mindset made him one of the most respected young forwards available in this year’s draft.
Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 187 pounds, Command spent last season with Örebro HK’s U20 team in Sweden. Over 30 games, he recorded 17 goals and 27 assists for a total of 44 points, showcasing both his scoring ability and his vision as a playmaker. His balanced offensive production helped establish him as one of the top international prospects entering the NHL Draft.
The Swedish forward also represented his country at the World Junior Championship, where he contributed to Sweden’s gold medal-winning campaign. During the tournament, Command collected seven points, including three goals and four assists in seven games, further demonstrating his ability to perform on the international stage against elite competition.
Scouts have consistently praised Command for playing a complete 200-foot game. His willingness to contribute in every zone of the ice, combined with his relentless effort and physical approach, has made him stand out among players in his age group. Instead of relying only on offensive talent, he has earned recognition for being dependable in defensive situations while still creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Before the draft, Command described his own playing style as a simple but effective two-way game. He explained that he enjoys helping teammates create offense while also taking pride in shutting down opposing players defensively. He also emphasized playing with physicality, working hard every shift, and making life difficult for opponents.
That mindset reflects exactly what many NHL organizations look for in a modern center. Players capable of making an impact in all three zones are among the league’s most valuable assets, and Command’s complete approach to the game gives the Devils another highly regarded prospect to develop within their system.
His competitive mentality extends beyond hockey. During the pre-draft process, Command revealed that basketball legend Michael Jordan has been one of his biggest childhood inspirations. He said he has spent time watching and reading about Jordan’s career, admiring his competitiveness, confidence, and approach to performing at the highest level. Those qualities, according to Command, have influenced the way he approaches his own development as a hockey player.
The Swedish center also spoke about his commitment to continuous improvement. He described the past season as a personal challenge focused on pushing himself beyond previous limits. According to Command, improving his skills has motivated him to compete even harder because every new lesson learned on the ice creates another opportunity to test himself during games.
Those comments provide additional insight into why the Devils viewed him as a valuable draft selection. Beyond his statistics, the organization is adding a player who has already built a reputation for discipline, maturity, and a strong desire to improve every season.
Leading into the draft, many observers believed first-year general manager Sunny Mehta could use the 12th overall selection to pursue an established NHL player through a trade. Instead, the Devils stayed with their original pick and selected Command, signaling confidence in the organization’s long-term player development strategy.
The decision also marks the beginning of Mehta’s first offseason as general manager. While free agency is set to open next week and further roster decisions remain ahead before the start of the 2026-27 NHL season, the organization has already taken an important step toward strengthening its future talent pipeline.
The Devils remain focused on competing while continuing to build organizational depth. Their prospect pool has become thinner in recent years, making the addition of another highly regarded young center especially valuable. If Command continues progressing through his development, he could eventually provide the franchise with another quality option down the middle alongside its current group of talented centers.
Although his NHL journey is only beginning, Alexander Command enters the Devils organization with strong international experience, proven offensive production, and a reputation for playing a complete game. For New Jersey, the selection represents an investment in both the present and the future as the franchise continues building toward sustained success.
Sources
National Hockey League (NHL)
New Jersey Devils
Associated Press (AP)
