The Canadian Football League is poised for potential changes as its top decision-makers gather this week in Calgary. Winter meetings involving team presidents, general managers, head coaches, and commissioner Stewart Johnston are underway, with the league's playoff structure and sweeping rule changes on the agenda.
Open-Minded Approach to League Evolution
Montreal Alouettes general manager Danny Maciocia and head coach Jason Maas are among the key figures participating in the discussions. Speaking from Calgary on January 12, 2026, Maciocia emphasized a flexible stance. "Only fools don't change their mind," he stated during a video conference call. "It's never perfect... I think you need to be open-minded."
Coach Maas, while supportive of the current two-division format, acknowledged the inherent challenges of a nine-team league. "It still provides a very competitive playoff system during the season," Maas said. "It has worked for quite a long time. It's still exciting." He noted that the crossover format, introduced in 1996, has generally functioned well. This rule allows a fourth-place team in one division with a better record than the third-place team in the other to qualify for the postseason, a scenario that played out last season when Winnipeg faced Montreal.
Controversial Rule Changes Under Scrutiny
A significant portion of the meetings will focus on the major rule changes announced by Commissioner Stewart Johnston in September 2025, most slated for the 2027 season. The proposed alterations have sparked considerable debate across the league. They include:
- Shortening the field from 110 to 100 yards.
- Moving the goalposts to the back of the end zone.
- Implementing a 35-second play clock.
- Modifying the single point (rouge) so it is only awarded if the returner fails to advance the ball out of the end zone after a missed kick.
Johnston faced criticism from players, coaches, and fans after the announcement, with many feeling they were not adequately consulted. Maas reserved judgment, stating he needs more information but loves the CFL game as it stands. Maciocia expressed a desire to see the game evolve, saying, "I want what's best for the CFL and the Canadian game."
The rationale for shortening the field has been questioned. With CFL games in 2025 averaging nearly 53 points and 41 games decided in the final three minutes, some argue changes are unnecessary. The Alouettes, who kicked a league-high 58 field goals but scored a league-low 34 offensive touchdowns last season, represent one data point in a complex debate.
Alouettes' Focus on Quarterback Health
Beyond league-wide discussions, the Alouettes' brass is closely monitoring the recovery of starting quarterback Davis Alexander. Limited to just seven games in the 2025 season due to a recurring hamstring injury, Alexander's health is paramount to Montreal's championship aspirations.
Alexander, who began experiencing issues in training camp, has returned to the United States but will make periodic trips to Montreal for evaluation. Maciocia and Maas are in regular contact with him via text. Alexander told Maas he expects to be fully recovered by the end of January 2026, and the plan is for him to return to Montreal every five to six weeks for check-ups.
The Alouettes believe a healthy Alexander could have changed the outcome of the 2025 Grey Cup, a game they lost to the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Despite his limited action, Alexander posted impressive numbers: 2,024 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, only 3 interceptions, and a 72.5% completion rate. He had not lost a game in two seasons prior to the championship final. His return to full fitness is seen as Montreal's clearest path to a title.
As the winter meetings continue, the CFL's leadership faces the delicate task of balancing tradition with innovation, all while managing the concerns of its teams, players, and passionate fanbase.
