New Jersey Devils pick Alexander Command and other prospects in 2026 NHL Draft

The New Jersey Devils used their first pick, 12th overall, to select Swedish center Alexander Command, a well‑rounded forward praised for his 200‑foot game, hockey sense and competitive drive. The team also added right‑handed defenseman Matias Vanhanen and towering defenseman Nikita Shcherbakov in the second round, followed by forward Lavr Gashilov in the fourth.

In the later rounds the Devils drafted Belarusian goaltender Daniil Rusakovich (5th round), forward Luke Wilfley (6th) and Maryland native Quinn McKenzie (7th round). McKenzie, the only player from Maryland selected, posted 51 points with the OHL’s Soo Greyhounds and will play for Penn State. The Devils’ scouting staff emphasized that each selection was made after extensive evaluation, rejecting the notion of “throw‑ins” despite speculation that the first‑round pick might be traded for an established star.

Overall, the Devils’ seven‑player class is viewed as a strong foundation to address depth at center, defense and goaltending, with several prospects projected to develop in the KHL, AHL or NCAA before potentially joining the NHL roster.