Gourde is a versatile two-way forward who just happens to be a bit overpaid for the role he's currently playing. He has good possession metrics and faceoff %; great PK stats; and has a -14% xGA/60 at 5v5 which shows that he's still defensively solid, and with a +1% xGF/60 his team is creating chances with him on the ice at just above league average per 60, which is impressive considering that he's mostly been playing on the 3rd or 4th line.

That said, for for great metrics Tampa are in a huge cap squeeze, and already paid a premium to acquire Coleman and Goodrow. Moving Gourde would solve a huge problem for them, and it would be worth it for them to pay a 1st if it meant being able to keep all of Cirelli/Sergachev/Cernak. The price would be expensive as Colorado would likely be one of the only teams Gourde would waive to play for.

Contract wise Gourde does have 5 year term, but his NTC becomes a 23 team trade-to list from 2022 onwards so this is more manageable of a contract than it seems.

A lot of fans were scratching their heads when Sakic acquired Burakovsky and Nichuskin last summer, and perhaps Gourde could be another one of those questionable acquisitions that later turns out to be a shrewd move.

San Jose need RHS forwards, and Compher would be a good fit in their middle 6.

Vancouver buy $2m+ capspace at the cost of two 3rd's. Alternatively it could be one 2nd.