Fans agree "character" doesn't matter anymore and is just some silly antiquated notion. Fans also agree a dysfunctional locker room is a bad thing and can affect what happens on the ice. Strange logic.
The problem is we have no insight into character. Being known only for your grit on ice doesn't automatically make you a positive leader in a locker-room.
And of course I'm sure some people will say "well other guys talk about how they love Borowiecki" or whoever else (dozens of these guys throughout the league) but that's just double-speak. You don't shit talk your co-workers when you know you're on tape and they will hear it and be questioned about it.
So when you hear someone say a player is great in the lockerroom or a heart and soul guy... that could mean anything from lockerroom cancer to the leader of the lockerroom who has a great positive impact. We don't really know.