What happened: Oliver Kapanen and defenseman David Reinbacher will make their 2026-27 regular-season debuts for the Montreal Canadiens against the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday. Goaltender Jacob Fowler is also slated to start in net for Montreal as the team hosts Buffalo.

Why it matters: Reinbacher steps into the regular-season lineup just days after the Canadiens recalled him on Oct. 14. Getting both Kapanen and Reinbacher into game action gives Montreal an early-season look at its young depth against an Atlantic Division opponent.

What to watch: Puck drop between the Sabres and Canadiens is set for Saturday at the Bell Centre, with Fowler making the start in goal alongside the debuting skaters.