If you are commuting you don’t want or even need too skinny a tire, especially on a mtb. I would look at 32-35 mm width, and something with some tread and built in flat protection. Plenty of faster tires which are not slicks. Maybe even a tire liner in the tire. I would get all kinds of flats from radial tire wires before my Mr Tuffy liners, bear in mind I am running all road gear.
Figuring your gear for commuting is a learning experience and trial and error. Look at the commuting forum, a lot is there to help you figure it out. People there are riding anything from fixies to mountain to full on road bikes. I have commuted steadily now for a year and a half, off and on for 6 years prior to that. Enjoy!