Ottawa Senators Await Ullmark's Decision on Return from Personal Leave
The Ottawa Senators are patiently awaiting the return of their top goaltender Linus Ullmark, with head coach Travis Green making it clear that the timing of his comeback will be entirely Ullmark's decision. The veteran netminder has been on a personal leave of absence for mental health reasons since late December, and his return to game action remains uncertain despite being back with the team.
Coach Green Emphasizes Player-Centered Approach
Following Tuesday's practice at Canadian Tire Centre, Green addressed reporters about Ullmark's status, emphasizing that the organization is following the goaltender's lead. "We're on his timetable," Green stated definitively. "He'll tell us when he's ready to start. Last game, he was ready to back up. He knew full well that if need be, he'd be going in the net."
Ullmark dressed as the backup for Sunday's game against the Vegas Golden Knights, a 7-1 victory for Ottawa, but did not see game action. His full participation in Tuesday's practice indicates physical readiness, but the mental aspect of his recovery remains the determining factor for his return to starting duties.
Mental Health Leave and Team Impact
Ullmark's absence began after a difficult performance against the Toronto Maple Leafs on December 27, when he allowed four goals on just 14 shots before being pulled from the game. The following day, Senators president of hockey operations and general manager Steve Staios announced the goaltender would be taking a leave.
In an interview with TSN's Claire Hanna that aired last week, Ullmark openly discussed needing time away for mental health reasons. His departure created significant challenges for the Senators' goaltending depth, with backup Leevi Merilainen struggling in his absence and eventually being sent to the AHL's Belleville Senators to regain form.
Senators' Goaltending Adjustments During Absence
The organization responded to Ullmark's leave by signing veteran James Reimer, who started four consecutive games last week. The team also recalled Mads Sogaard from Belleville, who delivered an impressive performance with 19 saves in Sunday's decisive victory over Vegas.
With Sogaard returned to the AHL on Monday, the Senators currently have Ullmark and Reimer sharing goaltending duties. The team may potentially wait until Saturday's home game against the New Jersey Devils to see Ullmark return to the crease, depending on his comfort level and readiness.
Support System in Place for Recovery
Green revealed that Ullmark has additional support during this period, with his Swedish-based goalie coach and mentor Maciej Szwoch currently in Ottawa working alongside Senators goaltending coach Justin Peters. "Just a mentor and friend in town to help him out," Green explained. "Help him through some hard times and, from what I understand, it's been productive."
The coach maintains regular but not excessive communication with Ullmark, allowing the goaltending specialists to handle most of the direct support. "I don't check in with him every day," Green noted. "I talked to him, told him it's good to see him, I'm glad he's out there."
Playoff Push and Olympic Break Considerations
The Senators enter this critical period eight points behind the final wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference with only five games remaining before the NHL breaks for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. Ullmark's potential return could provide a significant boost to Ottawa's playoff aspirations during this condensed schedule.
Green's patient approach reflects a growing awareness within professional sports organizations about the importance of mental health and allowing athletes adequate time for recovery. The Senators' willingness to let Ullmark determine his own return timeline represents a progressive approach to player wellness in the high-pressure world of professional hockey.
