playoffs

I think it's fair, but I doubt the Ducks will feel that way. I have also fallen into the camp of believing that no one with a NTC or NMC will ever waive to come to Montreal. It's partly a function of the French media coverage, but also the crazy taxes. Until the league moves to allow Canadian teams to smooth the tax implications of playing north of the border, there won't be UFAs willing to come/stay and there probably won't be a Canadian Stanley Cup winner. I suspect that suits Gary Bettman just fine.

Once again Cam Fowler has a 4 team trade list, No reason to expect that Montreal is on it. And if Nyquist accepted that deal he'd still be with Detroit.

FYI, taxes in California for wealthy people are pretty similar to those in Canada. The marginal tax rate is 49,37% in Cal and 52,93% in Quebec. The difference for a guy like Fowler is like +- 200K per year. I'm not saying it's not a factor, but it's way overestimated IMO. Although the difference is more important between Tampa, Nashville or Vegas and Montreal. (see Gavingroup on google for reference)

I'd say the odds are pretty good that Montreal isn't on it. Now, they could ask to be and he might consider it. These things aren't locked in stone.