Overview
- In a sit-down interview, Ullmark said mounting on- and off-ice pressures led to his Dec. 28 leave and identified mental health as the reason.
- He recounted experiencing intense anxiety during the Dec. 27 loss to Toronto and seeking help through the league’s player assistance program that night.
- Ullmark criticized false infidelity rumors that spread online after his leave, while the Senators and captain Brady Tkachuk publicly denounced the speculation.
- He has resumed practice but has not returned to game action, saying, “I’m not ready yet.”
- Ottawa adjusted its goalie depth as Ullmark works toward a return, sending Leevi Merilainen to the AHL, calling up Hunter Shepard, and adding James Reimer for insurance; Ullmark is 14-8-5 with an .881 save percentage this season.