Indeed. I don't believe Calgary had much interest in trading both Gaudreau AND Monahan.
Co-main piece, along with the goalie. Absolutely.
Perhaps this can help you understand..
Rumor: Calgary to make big trade offer to Columbus - NHL Rumors - NHLTradeRumors.Me
This article (maybe not the most reputable website) cites an unnamed source with a potential trade offer, and Aaron Portzline citing the Flames extreme interest in Anderson. This interest will be later confirmed by another source.
Then in a "31 Thoughts" article, Friedman says this:
31 Thoughts: Inside the tough, tense early days of NHL free agency
So, yeah. Maybe I don't have EVERY detail down. But I am 100% certain the Jackets were after BOTH Gaudreau and Monahan. Using Anderson and a goalie as the main trade pieces.
Do I think Calgary was close to taking it? No. I don't. I think they offered far less for Anderson alone, because they had more interest in pursuing a goalie in FA rather than trade. But this is also why Anderson is in Montreal and not Calgary. Which is completely OK. I am not "making up" this rumor. I am speculating.
Explain.