--- title: "Mehta's Gamble: Devils Draft Alexander Command" description: "New Jersey prioritizes data over hype, taking Swedish center Alexander Command 12th overall." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/new-jersey-devils-select-alexander-command-at-12th-overall-i-9fbf91ea published: 2026-06-28T20:00:03.506+00:00 updated: 2026-06-28T20:00:03.506+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["hockey"] --- # Mehta's Gamble: Devils Draft Alexander Command > New Jersey prioritizes data over hype, taking Swedish center Alexander Command 12th overall. New Jersey Devils GM Sunny Mehta defied consensus expectations at the 2026 NHL Draft, selecting Swedish center Alexander Command with the 12th overall pick. The move signals a distinct shift in organizational philosophy, prioritizing high-end processing and two-way reliability over the high-octane offensive wingers that dominated the pre-draft buzz. Command, an analytics standout hailing from Örebro HK, finished his recent junior campaign with 44 points in just 30 games. Scouts praise his relentless motor and defensive awareness, drawing immediate stylistic parallels to Devils captain Nico Hischier. By passing on projected top-line wingers, Mehta addressed a critical roster deficiency, adding depth and consistency down the middle of the ice. The selection reflects a calculated gamble, banking on Command’s cerebral game translating to NHL physicality. The decision underscores Mehta’s reputation as a data-driven executive willing to buck traditional scouting trends. While the draft room buzzed around flashier offensive talents, the Devils front office focused on underlying metrics indicating sustainable two-way success. This pick serves as a defining statement for the Mehta era, suggesting a long-term vision built on structure and responsible play rather than pure point production. Command faces a steep transition from Swedish junior hockey to the North American professional ranks. Expect the Devils to ease him into a development role, likely starting in the AHL, before testing his two-way acumen against NHL competition. The immediate pressure will be on the coaching staff to integrate his processing speed into a system that values possession and defensive responsibility. ## Why this matters This selection crystallizes the strategic identity of the Sunny Mehta administration. By choosing a high-motor, two-way center over high-ceiling wingers, the Devils are betting that sustainable winning comes from structure and depth. It directly addresses the team's chronic lack of consistency at center behind their top line, proving that New Jersey values analytical projection over draft-day hype. ## Frequently asked ### Who did the Devils draft 12th overall? The New Jersey Devils selected Swedish center Alexander Command with the 12th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, opting for his two-way play over higher-ranked offensive wingers. ### Why did Sunny Mehta pick Alexander Command? Mehta prioritized Command's analytics profile, two-way play, and high motor over raw offensive upside. The move addresses the team's need for depth and consistency at the center position. ### What team did Alexander Command play for? Command played for Örebro HK in Sweden, where he recorded 44 points in 30 junior games. This performance showcased his offensive capabilities alongside his strong defensive reliability. ### Who is Command compared to? Analysts and scouts have drawn comparisons between Alexander Command and Devils captain Nico Hischier. This is due to their similar playing styles, two-way focus, and high hockey IQ. ## Sources & Citations - [New Jersey Devils Select Alexander Command at 12th Overall in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft - All About The Jersey](https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2026-nhl-draft-prospects/70569/new-jersey-devils-select-alexander-command-at-12th-overall-in-the-2026-nhl-entry-draft) — NewsAPI.org (2026-06-27) --- Cite: Mehta's Gamble: Devils Draft Alexander Command. Sportopod, 2026-06-28. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/new-jersey-devils-select-alexander-command-at-12th-overall-i-9fbf91ea