Ottawa football fans, the CFL offseason chess match is still very much in play — and Ottawa RedBlacks' divisional rivals the Montreal Alouettes just made another move.
Montreal has signed Cannon Panfiloff, a standout out of the University of Montana, while releasing two players to make room on the roster. Panfiloff comes with a college pedigree from a program that has a long history of producing players with the physicality and football IQ that translates well to the Canadian game.
Why Ottawa Fans Should Pay Attention
The RedBlacks and the Alouettes share the CFL East Division, meaning every move Montreal makes is directly relevant to Ottawa's fortunes when the 2026 regular season kicks off. The two franchises have long had one of the more competitive rivalries in the East, and roster-building decisions like this one help shape how that matchup will look come game day.
Montreal released two players alongside the signing — a reminder of how tight CFL roster construction can be. Teams are constantly cycling through bodies at this stage of the offseason, looking for hidden gems while shedding players who didn't fit the system.
Panfiloff's Background
Panfiloff played collegiately at the University of Montana, a school with a strong FCS football tradition. The Big Sky Conference regularly produces CFL prospects who are overlooked by NFL teams but thrive in the Canadian game thanks to their well-rounded development at smaller programs. The Alouettes clearly see something in Panfiloff worth developing.
Details on his position and role with the Als haven't been fully detailed, but the signing signals Montreal's continued investment in their depth.
The RedBlacks' Offseason Picture
For Ottawa, watching these divisional moves matters. The RedBlacks have been working through their own roster construction ahead of the 2026 CFL season, and understanding what competitors like Montreal are bringing in helps paint a picture of the East Division landscape. Ottawa fans have reason to be engaged — the franchise is always looking to gain ground on the Als and other East contenders.
As the CFL offseason progresses, expect more signings and cuts across the league. The RedBlacks' own moves will be worth tracking closely as training camp approaches.
Stay tuned to ottown.ca for more Ottawa RedBlacks news and CFL East updates as the 2026 season draws closer.
Source: 3DownNation via Google News
