Overview
- General manager Steve Staios issued a scathing Jan. 8 statement calling social-media claims about the team and Linus Ullmark completely fabricated and urging respect for his privacy.
- Captain Brady Tkachuk delivered an expletive-laced rebuttal on Saturday, calling the rumor false and over the line, with Tim Stützle and coach Travis Green echoing public support for Ullmark.
- Ullmark has been away since Dec. 28 for personal reasons, with the organization stating he has its full support and declining to disclose details.
- Ottawa moved Ullmark to non-roster status to open a spot for returning forward Lars Eller and signed veteran James Reimer to an AHL professional tryout for depth in Belleville.
- With Ullmark out, Leevi Merilainen has handled most starts as the Senators have gone 2-4-0 and been outscored 24-15 in that span, including an 8-2 loss to Colorado before hosting Florida on Saturday.