The Ottawa Senators had to put out a statement about Linus Ullmark. The 32-year-old goaltender has been away from the NHL team for personal reasons. General Manager Steve Staios, 52, made a rare statement after rumors started spreading online about Ullmark, who left the team on December 28.
According to The Sun, Staios strongly defended the Sweden international. “Our organization was extremely disappointed to read the completely fabricated and false stories that are spreading around social media about our club,” Staios said in a statement. “Linus is away from our team for personal reasons and he has the entire organization’s support.”
Staios also criticized those spreading the rumors. “We asked that people respect his privacy, but clearly that request was not heard by the lowest forms of trolls and sick people who scour the internet,” he said. “We are disgusted that outside forces are attempting to disrupt our hockey club. This statement will put an end to the ridiculous speculation that has spread online.”
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The team is feeling Ullmark’s absence on the ice
Ullmark last played for the Senators on December 27 against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The team officially moved him to a non-roster spot on Thursday. Center Lars Eller, 36, took his place on the roster after recovering from a lower-body injury.
Athletes stepping away for personal reasons is becoming more common in professional sports. Similar to Fred Warner’s recent absence following his baby’s arrival, teams are showing more understanding when players need time away from the game.
Ullmark was also left off Sweden’s roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics. This is a big deal because NHL players will be allowed to play at the Games for the first time since 2014. Ullmark is in his first season of a four-year, $33 million contract with the Senators.
He joined Ottawa in 2024 after spending three seasons with the Boston Bruins. Before that, he played for the Buffalo Sabres. The sports world has seen several shocking incidents recently, including devastating details from Greg Biffle’s plane crash that reminded everyone how quickly circumstances can change for athletes.
The Senators have struggled without him, winning only two of their last six games. The team currently sits ninth in the Eastern Conference and eighth in the Atlantic Division. They will play against the Florida Panthers on Saturday.
Published: Jan 9, 2026 04:45 pm