This seems to be a huge reason they drafted this kid. Besides his physical hockey abilities and acumen, the staff has gone out of their way to praise his personality and potential leadership abilities on and off the ice. I remember seeing a video the Devils posted before the draft which highlighted the personality tests that they put these kids through. They went on at length about how the tests would give a great indication as to how the player would fit in to the organization and how they would handle themselves as a pro.
I will admit I was originally a Patrick guy but I have been increasingly ecstatic about having Nico now instead because of these reasons. It may very well be me looking at it through Devils red glasses, but I have felt that Patrick seemingly comes across as indifferent and kind of cold. Not to say he won't be a fantastic player, but the Devils needed more than that. They needed a top player who would give this team like-ability and personality. So far they seem to have found that in Nico and some of the other young kids and I'm excited about their potential.