2026 Draft Mixtape 12: Alexander Command
Command can range from 10 to 25 in many rankings. Let's take a look at this physical, two-way center and his potential offensive ceiling.
Alexander Command is a dynamic center. There’s no other way to start an assessment of his game, and I think it’s the best adjective to describe him. Moreover, of all the centers that I have watched in this draft class, I have not been more impressed with someone’s work in the dot than I have with Command’s. I tried to include a number of examples of his work on draws. He gets low, has a ton of strength, and is organically fast.
This is a strong player, and strength is at the basis of everything he does. Whether it was his point-per-game output internationally this year (10G + 11A in 21 games) or his work at the U20 level in Sweden, Command’s last name is inherently appropriate given how things work when he is on the ice.
The conversation about Command and the wild split in where he’s ranked is whether or not you believe in the future of his offensive development. As is showcased in the mix at the end of this piece, Command has shown some slick dangles and a strong nose for the net this season. His shot is growing in utility, as well. How much further do those skills progress? Is today a true reflection of how high he can soar offensively?
With Command, you get a suite of nuanced, pro-style behaviors. His defensive game showcases a high IQ as he pre-reads developing plays and cuts them off before they can blossom. He attacks very directly, both on offense and on defense. He is extremely physical and loves finishing checks and using his body to separate man from puck.
As the year went on, I think Command became more tenacious in his forechecking, attacking, and desire to steal pucks before the opponent hit the red line. This behavior opened up opportunities for him offensively, where he started to showcase a high level of one-on-one skill, proving he could beat defenders with a variety of tools.
Command is the type of center whose actions directly impact the game's directional flow, with an offensive game that is growing and evolving. Even if it experiences moderate gains, he has a high floor as a player, given the other behaviors he demonstrates.