The Ottawa Senators are moving forward with an unexpected and significant hole in their lineup, as starting goaltender Linus Ullmark has taken an indefinite leave of absence from the club. The team announced the news on Sunday, citing a personal matter, and has offered little clarity on the situation or a potential timeline for the 32-year-old's return.
A Sudden and Unexplained Departure
To describe the Senators' stance as tight-lipped would be an understatement. The circumstances surrounding Ullmark's abrupt exit remain shrouded in mystery, with team officials and players offering minimal comment. Captain Brady Tkachuk expressed the team's support but confirmed the lack of detailed knowledge among the players. "I don't know much," Tkachuk stated. "Just got to respect everything that is going on. He knows that our whole team and our whole organization are backing him."
The leave follows a particularly difficult outing for Ullmark in a 7-5 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night. He was pulled from the game after allowing four goals on just 14 shots, appearing uncharacteristically out of sync. This season has been a struggle for the netminder, who has started 28 of Ottawa's first 37 games, posting a 2.95 goals-against average and an .881 save percentage.
Senators Forge New Path in the Crease
With Ullmark unavailable, head coach Travis Green immediately turned to backup Leevi Merilainen, giving him the start in Monday night's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. To fill the vacant roster spot, the Senators recalled Hunter Shepard from their AHL affiliate in Belleville to serve as the emergency backup for that contest.
The plan for the longer term involves promoting Mads Sogaard from the minors. Sogaard is expected to join the team and be available for their New Year's Day matchup against the Washington Capitals at the Canadian Tire Centre. This sudden shift in goaltending depth presents a major challenge for a Senators team navigating a tough season.
Broader Implications Beyond Ottawa
Ullmark's unexpected leave creates ripple effects beyond the Senators' dressing room. Officials with Team Sweden are closely monitoring the situation, as the veteran goalie was reportedly on their radar for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. The final rosters for the Olympics are due by December 31, adding a layer of international intrigue to his personal absence.
The Senators now face the immediate future with uncertainty in their most critical position. While the organization and his teammates have publicly pledged their full support for Ullmark as he deals with a private matter, the on-ice reality is that they must find a way to compete without their number-one goalie for an unknown period.
