It is surprising as Nik is the youngest player on the team in Manhattan so being told he is the most underrated player on the team is surprising. It would have to be because of his effort on the defensive side of the game and not the offensive. He has the elite  ability to block shot and can handle the puck in enough of a way to be decent. His defense game rating is second on the team which is really good for a rookie again. he is showing his skill at block shots early currently having 34 after 3 weeks. Now it doesn't sound like much because it not that much but again Nik is a rookie. he may not have to most offensive stats, but he will be the highest rated D rating rookie. And who knows maybe if the voting committee would recognize that instead of just offensive stats he could win rookie of the year