Wildehopps not being canon actually does a large service for Nick's character development. His whole thing is distance because of feeling less than. His friendship with Judy allows him to see that he's worth it to somebody, that someone can allow him to get close
I also say this cause I personally see myself in Nick a lot, and the person who helped me grow was always just a friend, but that almost made it better? Like I realised that she was able to value me as a person, and that I don't have to be loved to be loved. If that makes sense
I think it being a friendship that shows him that is so important because for him it means that truly, anyone can find value in him. It doesn't have to be a romantic partner for him to feel valued, it can be anyone
Having said all that, Judy absolutely is crushing on him