Gourde is 100% a better player than Monahan

Calgary does this why?

Defensively yes, offensively definitely not.

As a fan of both teams Monahan is definitely better. Monahan is a top 6 center, Gourde is an ideal 3C that can play 2C. For example Monahan was still the 1C in Calgary despite Backlund being way better defensively. Backlund is on a comparable level to Gourde, ~50 point defensively sound center

I would say no point of even discussing defensively- they are not even in the same world. Offensively I would even say he's better. He got all the defensive assignments in TB over the recent years. And of course obviously he would. But his line also got a higher usage (they were actually the 2nd line in the playoffs), and he drove a ton of offence. I think you put a prime Johnny Gaudreau next to Gourde, he has better production.