The Canadian Premier League's 2026 season may now be under 50 days away, but the roster-building race certainly hasn't slowed down.
This week again saw nearly every club make a potential high-impact addition, with some big names returning to the league as well as a foundational piece departing.
Here are the biggest stories from this past week around the league:
Inter Toronto continue to add experience through international signings
Last season, it was the year of homecoming for Inter Toronto, as they signed a large contingent of local players throughout the league.
This year, the goal appears to be supplementing that group with talented internationals -- some of whom have CPL experience, but others bring a wealth of knowledge from years spent in top divisions all over the world.
One of the club's three signings this week, however, fits both categories to some extent. On Friday, Inter Toronto announced the return of 30-year-old full-back Juan Córdova, who played for the club during the 2024 season. Córdova spent 2025 with Unión San Felipe in the Chilean second division -- and is a former Canadian international.
The club began the week by announcing the signing of 26-year-old Peruvian forward Sebastián González. The 26-year-old striker has spent most of his career in his native Peru, before playing in Albania last season and has represented the country at the youth level.
Then, on Wednesday, the team unveiled the addition of right-back Carlos Guzmán. The 31-year-old who most recently played in the USL Championship, has a strong resumé that includes Mexican youth international caps and a wealth of experience in Liga MX.
Cavalry FC add new weapons out wide
With Fraser Aird and Mihail Gherasimencov departing Cavalry this off-season, and Ali Musse still a free agent, the club added a new dynamic duo out wide this week.
On Monday, Cavalry unveiled a multi-year deal for 23-year-old winger Nathaniel Edwards. The rapid attacker spent the past two seasons with Toronto FC II, scoring five goals and six assists in 49 appearances in MLS Next Pro -- earning a first-team contract. He is a versatile player who can play on either wing.
Later in the week, they brought in Curtis Ofori, a 20-year-old left-back from the New York Red Bulls system. Despite his young age, he already has 82 appearances in MLS Next Pro, scoring a pair of goals for New York Red Bulls II.
Cavalry also announced the hire of Stewart Kerr as a new Head of Goalkeeping. The 51-year-old's résumé includes stops at Motherwell, Toronto FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps, among other clubs.
Atlético Ottawa sharpen their attack with Myklebust, Habibullah signings
The capital club's biggest question this off-season was who would replace the dynamic duo of David Rodríguez and Sam Salter.
In reality, it is going to take a multitude of players to step up to replace their incredible, and in some cases historic, contributions. But Atleti did add two more signings who should help this week.
Former Pacific FC attacking midfielder Kamron Habibullah has joined the club following a stint in the Swedish second flight with Sandvikens IF. The Canadian youth international, who came through the Vancouver Whitecaps academy, also has a wealth of experience in MLS Next Pro.
The club then brought in veteran Norwegian striker Erling Myklebust on Friday. The 29-year-old has spent his career in his native country, most recently with Åsane in the second division. Both players are expected to be available for the club's Concacaf Champions Cup debut on Tuesday.
FC Supra add veteran CPL star Abzi
Another CPL return to play in Québec this week, as FC Supra brought in former Inter Toronto full-back Diyaeddine Abzi. The 27-year-old has 64 matches of CPL experience, and seven goals, all for the Stripes between 2019 and 2022.
The Montréal-raised player has since played with Pau FC in France, before helping Leganés win the Spanish second division in 2023-24 while on loan.
Pacific FC hoping to bring more goals to the Island with Bul Juach signing
The Tridents added an exciting new point man in their attack this week with the signing of 25-year-old South Sudan-born striker Bul Juach.
Juach was one of the most prolific attackers in Australia last season, bagging 29 goals in 40 appearances with Heidelberg United.
Forge say goodbye to a club legend
With Carducci in Halifax, Ingham in Calgary and Choinière with Supra this year was already going to look very different on the pitch. Now, however, the player who has stepped on it more than any other CPL player in the league's history, Alexander Achinioti-Jönsson, departs Forge.
With 183 CPL appearances between the playoffs and regular season, the four-time CPL champion has more than any other player in league history, all of them coming with Forge FC. He was the league's inaugural defender of the year in 2022, and also won two CPL Shields over the past two seasons with Forge.
Since the Hamilton club confirmed his departure, it has been confirmed that he signed with Raufoss IL in the Norwegian First Division.
Vancouver FC announce loan of Michel da Silva
One final departure of note this week was that of Michel da Silva from Vancouver FC. The 19-year-old midfielder has joined Brazilian giants Palmeiras on loan until January 26, 2027.
The loan, which includes a guaranteed fee, also has an option for permanent transfer. Da Silva is the latest in an already solid contingent of young talent that the Eagles have developed.