The Montreal Alouettes announced a flurry of deals on Thursday, including the extension of starting center Justin Lawrence through the 2028 season. The Alouettes also signed Canadian defensive lineman Gabriel Maisonneuve to a 3-year contract and running back Aaron Shampklin to a 2-year contract.
Justin Lawrence – Alberta (6’2, 310lbs)
Justin Lawrence was under contract with the Alouettes for 2026 already and is now inked through the 2028 season. He played in 14 games this past season and all 3 playoff games. He was named an East Division All-Star for the 2nd time in his career this past season.
Lawrence joined the Alouettes ahead of the 2023 season and won a Grey Cup with Montreal. He entered the league as a 5th round draft pick (39th overall) with the Calgary Stampeders, where he played from 2018 through 2021, where he won a Grey Cup while listed on the practice roster. He played for the Toronto Argonauts in 2022, where he won his 2nd Grey Cup.
“Justin has played a pivotal role on our offensive line since joining us three years ago,” stated Alouettes General Manager Danny Maciocia. “He does an impeccable job and sets an example for his teammates. We are happy to continue our partnership.”
Aaron Shampklin – Harvard (5’10, 195 lbs)
Aaron Shampklin played his collegiate ball for Harvard from 2017 to 2021, where he played in 29 games with 19 starts. He rushed 404 times with the program for 2,258 yards (5.59 average) and 23 touchdowns. He also caught 29 passes for 296 yards and 3 touchdowns. He was named First-Team All-Ivy League twice.
He signed as an undrafted free agent with the Dallas Cowboys in 2022 and was waived from injured reserve after playing in 3 preseason games. He has played in 10 NFL preseason games over his career, 3 with Dallas in 2022, 2 with the LA Chargers in 2023, 3 with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024, and 2 with the Miami Dolphins in 2025. He has rushed 50 times over his NFL preseason play for 202 yards (4.04 average) and caught 6 passes for 21 yards.
He played in 3 NFL regular-season games with Pittsburgh in 2024, where he returned 4 kickoffs for an average of 25.25 yards per return.
Shampklin also had a stint in the USFL in 2023 with the Houston Gamblers, where he played in 3 games, rushing 12 times for 52 yards (4.33 average) and catching a pass for 26 yards.
Gabriel Maisonneuve – Montreal (6’3″, 236 lbs)
Gabriel Maisonneuve was drafted by the Alouettes in the 2025 CFL Draft in the 5th round (44th overall). He played for the Université de Montréal Carabins from 2021 to 2025. This past season, he was named to the U Sports All-Star Team and RSEQ All-Defensive Team after leading the league in sacks with 4.5. He recorded 10 solo tackles and 6 assisted tackles this past season.