The Hudler Paradox

It can pretty much be agreed that this entire year, most everyone has looked at Hudler as trade bait. Every time a move has been discussed, Happy's name has popped up. And I've been a heavy supporter of this; he's small, he isn't the best skater, he lacks defensive awareness, and he's a womanizer. Sure, he's got a bit of scoring touch, but does that really outweigh all of those things that he lacks? Is he really worth keeping?

I want to say no, but after last night, I'm at a crossroads.

Zetterberg and Filppula have made Hudler something I never thought he'd be: Consistent. The playmaking of Flip this season and the work of Hank on the defenders has allowed Happy to become a constant threat. Look at his stats: 17 goals; 12 in the last two months.... That's insane for someone who, last year, could only buy goals at the JLA gift shop. He's shooting at 23% - almost a quarter of his shots go in! And it's killing me!!!!

I personally don't care for Hudler. He's just "meh" to me. But I want what's best for the WIngs. I want #5 for #5. I want to see a parade this summer. And if getting these wishes to come true means keeping Huds, then I want Hudler. BUT that doesn't mean we don't still need a big scoring winger. Somebody's got to go if we're going to bring in someone better.

So the question remains: Do we tinker with what's good already by moving out Happy? Or do we keep the lil' bugger?

What say ye?