The Ottawa Senators announced on Sunday that goaltender Linus Ullmark is taking a leave of absence from the team for personal reasons. General Manager Steve Staios confirmed the decision, stating that the organization fully supports Ullmark and will not provide any further details out of respect for his privacy.
Ottawa will designate Ullmark as a non-roster player, and his absence is considered indefinite.
The news comes at a difficult time for both the player and the team. Ullmark struggled in Saturday’s 7-5 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, and his absence leaves the Senators without their No. 1 goaltender at a critical time of the season.
Still, the priority remains Ullmark’s well-being, with the organization emphasizing support for him and his family.
From a scheduling perspective, Ottawa will look to weather the situation over a manageable stretch of games. The Senators begin a four-game homestand against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday, with two games against teams currently out of the playoffs. A road trip on January 8 will follow, a date the team hopes can align with Ullmark’s return.
Ullmark was acquired from Boston in a blockbuster trade last offseason and signed a four-year, $33 million extension. Ullmark has struggled in 2025-26, posting an .881 save percentage and ranking dead last in goals saved above expectations.
With backup Leevi Merilainen also struggling, the Senators are expected to lean on AHL call-up Hunter Shepard as they navigate Ullmark’s absence.
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