New Jersey Devils face speed woes and analytic‑driven draft focus

The New Jersey Devils are being criticised for a lack of speed on the ice. NHL EDGE data show the team recorded only 61 bursts above 22 mph last season, ranking 22nd in the league and well below the median. Only a handful of players, such as Luke Hughes, produced notable high‑speed bursts, while many others posted slower metrics, prompting calls for the franchise to prioritize faster forward play.

In parallel, general manager Sunny Mehta highlighted the team’s analytic approach to the recent draft. In an eight‑minute video released by the Devils, Mehta explained how scouts’ rankings, blended statistical models, and psychological testing guided the selection of 18‑year‑old Swedish centre Alexander Command with the 12th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. He emphasized Command’s defensive maturity, character assessment, and strong performance in the team’s data models as reasons for the choice.