he has a M-NTC, 10 teams, he already blocked one to Vancouver, could very easily have Montreal on his list as well

Wonder if Anaheim could be a fit. They have plenty of cap space

I dont know what he is prioritizing on his list, desire to win? better tax situations? Lifestyle location?

To be honest if he values his desire to win his cap hit doesn't, I don't think any playoff team will take on 4.5M$ on cap for him and Ottawa is looking to offload so they won't retain. Tax, that has Florida written all over it as they have no picks and aren't making it to the playoffs either. Lifestyle, if he likes it in Ottawa or has his family (If he has one?) settled well Montreal makes sense has it's the closest destination.
Time will tell but certainly all non playoff teams must be calling to inquire.

Considering Dadonov also used his no trade clause instead of going there, probably not. Going from a no income tax state to California's high taxes is certainly different but Ontario still is taxed less than Cali in a high tax bracket. And he's certainly not waiving to go to Quebec's even higher tax bracket.

Just a wild guess but Zaitsev would have all Canadian teams and California teams on his 10 TM no trade list submitted, same as Dadonov did last season. Dadonov did eventually waive to go to Montreal so who knows. I just assume every Canadian team is on these lists and unless the player is coerced then it's a nonstarter

Desire to win doesn’t mean contender, just a team who is in the hunt and could play meaningful hockey.

Like I said we don’t know what he is prioritizing with his mntc.

Anything is possible but as mentioned by other people yes a safe assumption all other Canadian teams are on it

And after one single trade Habs have no cap space for other trades. I seriously doubt Montreal would do it without sending an expiring contract the other way.

Ottawa is FAR BETTER OFF keeping their first rounder and just moving Zaitsev AFTER paying his $2M bonus and attaching a 2nd round pick to get it done.
OR using their 2023 1st with top 3 protection to ship Zaitsev to CHI while acquiring Murphy in the deal. (Maybe we add a B prospect like Crookshank if needed).
But no way should we give up a 1st just to move Zaitsev.

https://gavingroup.ca/nhl-tax-calculator/

@TCMonkey hits the nail on the head. Ottawa shouldn't expend a first round pick just to dump Zaitsev, and I believe that teams would be happy to take a second and a third to absorb him right now. Or, wait until the off-season and pay his signing bonus and then move him at even less cost.

Zeotsev does not acost a 1st to moce, OTT does not do this, Dorion is not a Habs GM and waste 1st of bad players

He could waive if the intention is a buyout allowing him to sign elsewhere. League minimum depth option could have some suitors who may interest him.

I ain't the one reporting Ottawa is actively looking for a trade partner ... I guess they ain't ready to wait for it.

That doesn't mean their 1st rounder is in play just to dump him. LOL