The Ottawa Senators will be without their starting goaltender for the foreseeable future after the team announced Linus Ullmark has been granted a leave of absence.
Team Announces Indefinite Absence
In a brief statement released on Sunday, December 28, 2025, the Senators confirmed their top netminder is stepping away from the club. The organization stated Ullmark is "taking a leave of absence from the team for personal reasons."
The news came after Ullmark was notably absent from a team skate at the Canadian Tire Centre earlier that day. Steve Staios, the team's President of Hockey Operations and General Manager, addressed the media following the practice to confirm the situation.
Full Organizational Support
"Linus has the full support of our organization during this time," Staios stated. He emphasized the team's respect for the player's privacy, adding, "Out of respect to Linus, we will not be making any further comments."
The announcement follows a difficult outing for the veteran goaltender. Less than 24 hours prior, Ullmark was pulled from a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night after surrendering four goals on just 14 shots. The Senators ultimately lost that contest by a score of 7-5.
What Comes Next for the Senators?
The team has not provided a timeline for Ullmark's return, labeling the leave as indefinite. His absence creates an immediate challenge for the Senators' goaltending depth as they navigate their NHL schedule.
This development puts the spotlight on the team's remaining goaltenders to shoulder the workload during a critical point in the season. Fans and analysts will be watching closely for updates on Ullmark's status and how the team adjusts in his absence.
