NHL Trade Buzz Intensifies Around Linus Ullmark and Ottawa Senators
The NHL rumor mill is churning once again. This time, all eyes focus squarely on goaltender Linus Ullmark and his current team, the Ottawa Senators. The Swedish netminder now sits at the heart of league-wide discussions after a recent move that fans and analysts are interpreting in multiple ways.
His actions not only cast doubt on his future with the club but also hint that Ottawa might be considering significant roster changes as the season progresses.
Ullmark's Absence Fuels Speculation
Linus Ullmark has taken a personal leave from the team. He has not played in a game since Ottawa's 7–5 defeat against the Toronto Maple Leafs on December 27. While personal matters are a private part of any athlete's life, the timing here has unsettled the fanbase.
With the NHL trade deadline approaching, and the Senators pushing to stay in the playoff hunt, Ullmark's absence raises immediate questions about the team's stability and plans.
Why are these trade rumors gaining so much traction around the Ottawa Senators?
Global Ottawa reporter Aaron D’Andrea covered the story, noting that Senators General Manager Steve Staios addressed the speculation directly. Staios expressed the organization's frustration with the circulating rumors.
He firmly denied any trade discussions involving Ullmark. The GM stated the goalie is away for personal reasons and has the club's full support. Staios requested the public and media respect Ullmark's privacy during this time, labeling the online stories as completely false.
Examining Ullmark's Current Season and Past Success
Looking at the statistics for the 2025–26 season, Ullmark's performance has not yet matched the elite level he is known for. His current record stands at 14 wins, 8 losses, and 5 draws.
He holds a goals-against average of 2.95 and a save percentage of .881. Ullmark does have one shutout to his name this season, earned on December 18 in a 4-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins.
It is crucial to remember Ullmark's pedigree. He is a former Vezina Trophy winner, claiming the award as the league's top goaltender for the 2022-23 season while playing for the Boston Bruins.
Ottawa's Goaltending Shuffle Adds to the Drama
The Senators' crease situation has undergone notable changes recently. The team has promoted prospect Leevi Merilainen, viewed as their goalie of the future, to the primary role.
Veteran James Reimer, newly acquired by Ottawa, now serves as the backup. Reimer's arrival has inevitably fueled more trade conversation, even as the Senators find themselves near the bottom of the competitive Atlantic Division yet still within striking distance of a playoff spot.
Team leadership remains steadfast. They insist the situation with Linus Ullmark is purely about supporting a player through a personal matter, not a precursor to a trade. However, the persistent whispers across the hockey world suggest these rumors will likely continue until Ullmark makes his return to the ice for Ottawa.
