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8h ago

Senators’ Ullmark Takes Indefinite Personal Leave as Team Elevates Merilainen, Recalls Shepard

The club cites personal reasons with no timetable for the 32-year-old’s return.

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Dec 27, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark (35) makes a glove save as Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) closes in during the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Ottawa announced Linus Ullmark is on an indefinite leave of absence for personal reasons, with Steve Staios stressing organizational support and declining further comment.
  • Leevi Merilainen assumes the starting workload and is slated to face the Blue Jackets on Monday.
  • The Senators recalled Hunter Shepard from AHL Belleville to reinforce the goalie group following Ullmark’s departure.
  • Ullmark was pulled after allowing four goals on 14 shots in a 7-5 loss to Toronto the night before the leave was disclosed.
  • In 28 starts this season, Ullmark has a 14-8-5 record with a 2.95 goals-against average and an .881 save percentage, a notable drop from last year’s performance.