Ottawa GM backs Ullmark as goalie steps away on personal leave (Image via: Getty Images) The Ottawa Senators have confirmed that goaltender Linus Ullmark is stepping away from the team on a personal leave of absence, a development that naturally places attention on both his situation and the team’s goaltending plans moving forward. It comes at a crucial moment for Ottawa, with the club trying to stay steady through an already demanding stretch of the NHL season.Ullmark’s leave arrives during one of the tougher runs of his NHL career. In 28 starts, the 32-year-old has posted a 2.95 goals-against average and a .881 save percentage along with a 14-8-5 record and one shutout. His most recent outing against the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he allowed four goals on 14 shots before being pulled in a 5-2 loss, underlined how challenging this stretch has been.
Senators support Linus Ullmark while Leevi Merilainen steps into bigger role
Senators president and general manager Steve Staios made it clear the organization stands behind Ullmark during this period, stating, “Linus has the full support of our organization during this time.” He also requested privacy for the goaltender, adding, “Out of respect to Linus, we will not be making any further comments.”Despite recent struggles, Ullmark has shown strong stretches this season. Before the Christmas break, he won four of five starts while recording a 1.74 GAA and a .926 save percentage, including a shutout against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Last season, he finished with a 25-14-3 record and a .910 save percentage, ranking competitively among NHL goaltenders who played a significant number of games, which highlights the level he is capable of reaching when settled.With Ullmark unavailable, Ottawa now turns to 23-year-old Leevi Merilainen. The rookie has appeared in 10 games, posting a 3.43 GAA and a .874 save percentage, and his responsibilities are expected to increase. Meanwhile, Mads Sogaard and Hunter Shepard continue in Belleville and remain depth options if needed.For now, the Ottawa Senators are focused on supporting Ullmark while working to keep stability in goal. The situation tests their depth and performance as the season continues to demand consistency on and off the ice.Also Read: NHL Player Update: Will Linus Ullmark join the Ottawa Senators against the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight?