Emerging Two-Way Center Alexander Command Joins New Jersey Devils

The New Jersey Devils approached the 2026 NHL Draft with multiple options. After an injury‑riddled and underwhelming season, many anticipated new general manager Sunny Mehta to flip the 12th‑overall pick for instant NHL assistance. Rather than trade away the selection, the club retained it and chose a rapidly ascending prospect: Swedish forward Alexander Command.

Although Command was not the most headline‑grabbing name on the board, he surged as one of the draft’s most notable risers during the campaign. His well‑rounded 200‑foot performance, mature hockey IQ, and relentless work ethic made him a compelling addition for a Devils organization aiming to craft a deeper, more balanced roster. Instead of targeting pure offensive upside, New Jersey selected a player projected to be a reliable center who can influence the game across all situations.

A Fast-Rising Prospect

Command’s journey to the 12th overall selection followed an unconventional trajectory.

At the start of the 2025‑26 season, he was not considered a consensus top‑pick prospect. Yet as the season unfolded, NHL scouts grew ever more impressed by his consistency and poise. Each evaluation underscored a single point: Command simply understands how to win.

Public rankings of Command fluctuated, but numerous NHL clubs valued him highly for his impact beyond the box score. His strong showings in Sweden’s junior ranks and against older opponents kept pushing his stock upward, making his selection by New Jersey on draft night far less surprising.

For a franchise already anchored by an elite two‑way center in Nico Hischier, adding another smart, dynamic center might not have seemed obvious. Nevertheless, championship teams thrive on depth down the middle, and Command provides the Devils with another player who could eventually assume a pivotal role.

Learning the Game in Sweden

Command honed his skills while competing for Örebro HK, steadily advancing against ever‑tougher opposition.

During the 2025‑26 campaign, he contributed offensively while also earning accolades for his work ethic and consistency. He posted 17 goals and 44 points in 30 games for Örebro’s U20 side before moving to the senior team in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), where he made his debut. While his numbers were impressive, scouts were often more intrigued by how he generated offense than by the raw statistics.

The simplest way to describe Command is that he excels in virtually every aspect of the game.

Standing about 6‑foot‑1 and 187 pounds, he already carries solid NHL size. He battles hard, wins puck battles, supports teammates defensively, and drives offensively with vigor. Scouting reports on Hockey Prospects rated him highly for both compete level and hockey sense, labeling him a well‑rounded center capable of contributing on both sides of the ice.

Command consistently makes astute decisions with the puck. He anticipates developing plays, positions himself effectively defensively, and knows precisely when to pressure opponents or support his defensemen. His awareness enables him to disrupt threats before they materialize while swiftly transitioning back toward the offensive zone.

His skating is another strong point. Though he may not match the speed of Jack Hughes, he moves efficiently and stays engaged in every play. His intelligence and hockey IQ frequently enable him to reach loose pucks before opponents, even though he is not the fastest player on the ice.

Scouts see room for offensive growth as he continues to add strength and confidence. His shot can become more threatening, and increased experience against professionals should further sharpen his offensive instincts.

If that progression continues, Command could evolve beyond a defensive specialist. He may become a legitimate middle‑six forward, with the potential to serve as an effective second‑line center who contributes on both special teams.

Why He Fits the Devils

The Devils have spent recent seasons constructing around speed, skill, and offensive creativity. While that foundation remains one of the organization’s biggest strengths, the past few seasons have also underscored the need for greater physicality, defensive reliability, and a more consistent competitive edge. Command appears to address each of those criteria.

His skill set complements New Jersey’s existing core well. Rather than duplicating the talent already abundant in the lineup, he brings a gritty two‑way style that can round out the roster. Equally important, his relentless work ethic and competitive mindset align with the culture Mehta is seeking to establish.

Throughout the draft process, Command garnered widespread acclaim from scouts for his leadership, determination, and willingness to battle each time he stepped onto the ice. Such qualities often distinguish strong prospects from players who eventually become trusted NHL contributors.

For Devils fans, talent alone is insufficient. They seek players who genuinely embrace being part of the organization—athletes who take pride in wearing the black and red and are willing to leave everything on the ice. Command’s initial comments after being selected suggested precisely that mindset.

“You made a good choice,” Command said to Devils media at the Draft. “I’m happy to be here. I don’t think there’s much more to it. I’m just getting started.”

Command possesses confidence without arrogance, excitement without complacency, and perhaps most importantly, an understanding that being drafted is only the beginning. That mentality should energize Devils fans.

Patience Will Be Crucial

Devils fans should not expect to see Command in red and black this fall. He remains under contract with Örebro HK through the 2027‑28 season, providing additional time to further develop in one of Europe’s strongest professional leagues. That timeline likely pushes his NHL arrival to the 2028‑29 season at the earliest.

Spending additional seasons playing meaningful minutes in Sweden should help him refine his offensive game while continuing to build strength against elite talent.

When he eventually arrives in North America, he’ll come as a far more polished player than if he had rushed into the NHL.

Command Is a Strong First Step for the Future

Draft picks are ultimately judged years after they’re made, but the early indicators surrounding Command are encouraging.

Rather than selecting solely on offensive upside, the Devils invested in a player whose complete game gives him an excellent chance of reaching the NHL. His intelligence, maturity, physicality, and two‑way ability provide a high floor, while continued offensive development could raise his ceiling even further.

If his development continues on its current trajectory, Command could become one of the most important complementary pieces of New Jersey’s next championship contender.

For now, Devils fans can begin getting acquainted with the newest member of the organization—a smart, dependable Swedish center whose game is built to win.

Source link