Linus Ullmark has taken a big step in his return to the Ottawa Senators’ net.
The Senators’ top goaltender returned to the club’s active roster on Sunday evening and dressed as the backup at the Canadian Tire Centre with the Vegas Golden Knights in town.
Ullmark was the last player out of the tunnel on Sunday to take part in the warmup. Veteran James Reimer, who started four straight games, was scratched for this one.
Coach Travis Green told reporters that goalie coach Justin Peters informed the staff that Ullmark was ready to dress.
“(Peters) went with what he thought was right,” said Green. “And I give (Peters) a lot of credit.”
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It’s the first appearance Ullmark has made with the club since he took a personal leave for mental health reasons on Dec. 28. He has missed 14 games as a result of the leave.
This is the first time Ullmark has been with his teammates in 29 days.
The Senators recalled Mads Sogaard from their American Hockey League affiliate in Belleville to start against the Knights. The club wouldn’t have dressed Ullmark if he wasn’t ready to play, which is why this was a good sign.
Ottawa Senators goaltender Mads Sogaard celebrates the team’s win over the Vegas Golden Knights with fellow goaltender Linus Ullmark in Ottawa on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026.
The expectation is that if all goes well, then Ullmark will face the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday night at home. He was given a nice round of applause when he was shown on the scoreboard during the second television timeout.
But Green was non-committal about Ullmark facing the Avs.
“We’ll see. I’m not worried about that right now,” said Green.
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