Thanks for the replies. I ended up calling tonight. The agent did confirm that my original flight (AC 7669) was no longer available. I didn't mention the new flight (AC 7629) but she didn't see it anyway. She said that I could basically make whatever routing change I wanted to to get me back to YYZ but it would have to on flights showing available on AE. Since IST-YYZ direct is not showing up as available I wouldn't be able to book that and she recommended checking back from time to time since the flight isn't until August.

I feel if I make enough fuss I could get them to open AC direct (J cabin is fully open) but I will wait and see if TK direct opens up. On that note, what would be considered a better J product for my wife and I - TK 777 or AC 789? Generally speaking I have read TK > AC so maybe even indirect TK 333 is better than direct AC 789?