New Jersey Devils Strengthen Future With Two-Way Swedish Center Alexander Command at No. 12 in NHL Draft

The New Jersey Devils used the 12th overall selection in the 2026 NHL Draft to add Swedish center Alexander Command, choosing to invest in a promising young player instead of using the pick in a trade. The decision adds another talented prospect to the organization’s development system and reflects the team’s long-term vision as it continues building for future success.

Command, a 6-foot-1, 187-pound center from Sweden, impressed throughout the 2025-26 season with Örebro HK’s U20 team. In 30 games, he scored 17 goals and recorded 27 assists, finishing the season with 44 points. His strong offensive production was matched by his all-around game, making him one of the most respected young centers available in this year’s draft.

The Swedish forward also represented his country at the World Junior Championship, where he helped Sweden win the gold medal. During the tournament, Command contributed seven points, including three goals and four assists in seven games, showing that he could perform under pressure against top international competition.

What makes Command especially valuable is not only his offensive ability but also the way he approaches every part of the game. Scouts have consistently praised his work ethic, determination, playmaking skills, and willingness to compete in all three zones of the ice. His reputation as a complete two-way center made him an attractive choice for a Devils team looking to strengthen its future depth.

Before the draft, Command described his own playing style in simple terms, saying he sees himself as a supportive two-way center who can both score and create scoring chances for teammates. He also emphasized his physical style of play and his commitment to strong defensive hockey, explaining that he enjoys shutting down opponents while bringing energy and hard work every time he steps onto the ice.

That mindset fits well with the type of player NHL organizations value. Centers capable of contributing offensively while remaining reliable in defensive situations are considered some of the league’s most important building blocks. If Command continues developing as expected, he could eventually provide the Devils with another dependable option at center alongside Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes in the years ahead.

Command’s competitive personality also caught attention during the pre-draft process. He shared that one of his biggest childhood inspirations has always been basketball legend Michael Jordan. According to Command, he has spent years watching and reading about Jordan, particularly admiring his competitiveness, confidence, and relentless desire to win. Those qualities have influenced the way he approaches his own career and personal development.

The young center also explained that his recent season has been focused on constant improvement. He described it as a personal challenge to push beyond his previous limits, become a better player every day, and apply everything he has learned in competitive games. That commitment to continuous growth further demonstrates the maturity and determination that NHL teams often seek when evaluating young prospects.

Many around the league believed first-year Devils general manager Sunny Mehta might use the 12th overall selection as part of a trade package to acquire an established NHL player. Instead, New Jersey kept the pick and selected a player the organization believes can become an important piece of its future.

The decision marks an important first step in Mehta’s offseason plans. While the Devils still have opportunities to strengthen their NHL roster before the start of the 2026-27 season, including the upcoming free agency period, the organization also showed that maintaining a strong pipeline of young talent remains a priority.

By selecting Alexander Command, the Devils continue rebuilding a prospect system that has become thinner in recent years. Although his journey to the NHL will require patience and development, the organization clearly believes his combination of skill, competitiveness, and complete two-way game gives him the potential to become an important player for the franchise in the future.

Sources

• NHL
• Associated Press (AP)