Montreal Canadiens Insert Oliver Kapanen and David Reinbacher Into Lineup Against Buffalo Sabres
The Montreal Canadiens restructured their lineup Saturday by inserting centre Oliver Kapanen and defenceman David Reinbacher for their home game against the Buffalo Sabres at the Bell Centre. The roster moves alter both the forward depth and the defensive pairings as Montreal looks to improve its 3-3-1 record through the first seven games of the 2026-27 regular season.
Oliver Kapanen Returns From Injury to Make Season Debut
Oliver Kapanen draws back into the active lineup after missing the start of the regular season due to a lower-body injury. Kapanen established himself as a contributor during his 2025-26 rookie campaign, recording 22 goals and 15 assists for 37 points across 82 games to help propel Montreal to the Eastern Conference Final. He is expected to take Owen Beck’s spot, while winger Florian Xhekaj moves to injured reserve to open up the roster space.
The Canadiens are bringing in reinforcements, as Oliver Kapanen and David Reinbacher are set to make their season debuts vs. Sabres tonight. pic.twitter.com/7tNLeiomjz
David Reinbacher Steps Onto Blue Line With Arber Xhekaj
David Reinbacher draws into the defensive lineup in place of Adam Engstrom. The 21-year-old right-handed defenceman is set to be paired alongside Arber Xhekaj. Montreal previously recalled Reinbacher from the American Hockey League’s Laval Rocket ahead of the second half of a back-to-back against the Washington Capitals, though he did not appear in that game. The Canadiens recalled him initially after defenceman Mike Matheson missed a game with a lower-body injury listed as day-to-day. Reinbacher has logged two assists through four appearances with Laval this season, bringing his career AHL totals to nine goals and 27 assists across 82 regular-season contests.
Jacob Fowler Starts in Net as Roster Shifts Continue
Jacob Fowler gets the start in goal for the Canadiens against Buffalo. The roster changes come as Montreal manages early-season health concerns, including Matheson’s day-to-day lower-body designation and Florian Xhekaj’s placement on injured reserve. Florian Xhekaj is expected to miss at least a couple more weeks after sustaining a lower-body injury in the final preseason game. Following the matchup against the Sabres, the Canadiens host the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday before opening a four-game road trip against the Chicago Blackhawks.
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