Canadiens roundup: Healthy Kirby Dach, Klimpke captaincy and Cheverie to lead Canada

The Montreal Canadiens’ preparations for the 2026-27 season come with a fresh focal point up front: Kirby Dach is finally healthy. After injuries derailed previous campaigns, the forward is taking part in camp without physical setbacks and faces the challenge of cementing his place in the lineup and winning back a fan base that has seen little of him at full strength.

Reinbacher’s impact, Xhekaj’s edge and Matheson’s example

On defence, David Reinbacher’s presence is already shaping conversations about the Canadiens’ blue line. Some observers argue that inserting the young defenceman into the mix makes Montreal a better team right away, intensifying scrutiny on how management will handle its crowded depth chart and difficult bubble decisions as camp progresses.

Further up the lineup, forward Florian Xhekaj is drawing attention for a rugged, straight‑line style that evokes power winger Josh Anderson, fuelling projections about a future role as a physical presence in the middle or bottom six. Veteran blueliner Mike Matheson is being highlighted from another angle, portrayed as a standard‑setter when it comes to fitness and professionalism and as a key influence on a still‑developing defence corps. At the same time, outside analysis is taking early stock of where the 2026‑27 Canadiens fit in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.

Klimpke gets the C in Saskatoon, Cheverie to coach Canada

In junior hockey, Canadiens prospect Brayden Klimpke has been named the 65th captain in Saskatoon Blades franchise history. The WHL club’s decision underlines his leadership profile within the Montreal pipeline as he continues his development toward the professional ranks.

Behind the bench, Montreal Victoire head coach Kori Cheverie is set for a major international assignment after being chosen to lead Team Canada at the 2026 World Championship. The appointment underscores her rise within the coaching ranks and reflects the expanding presence of women behind elite benches.

Fantilli’s six-year deal, Jets history merged and women’s game spotlight

League‑wide, the Columbus Blue Jackets have locked up centre Adam Fantilli on a six‑year contract worth $82.5 million, a significant long‑term commitment to a core piece of their future. The NHL also announced it is merging the historical records of the original Winnipeg Jets with those of the current iteration of the franchise, unifying the club’s milestones and statistical legacy.

The women’s professional game will take centre stage on March 7 when the Professional Women’s Hockey League holds its first all‑star event in Toronto as part of its fourth season. Elsewhere, the Detroit Red Wings’ front‑office search is focused on finding an "innovative" general manager, while across the league analysts are ranking all 32 goalie tandems and tracking teams’ final preparations before opening night, including a Toronto Maple Leafs trip to Arizona. Off the ice, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Andrei Kuzmenko is travelling to Moscow to be with his family following the death of his father in a bear attack in Siberia, a reminder of the real‑life challenges players can face away from the rink.