Overview
- Captain Brady Tkachuk delivered an expletive‑laced rebuke of the online narrative on Saturday, calling it not true and out of bounds for involving families.
- General manager Steve Staios issued a Jan. 8 statement labeling the circulating stories completely fabricated and blaming anonymous internet trolls for spreading them.
- Players including Tim Stützle and coach Travis Green publicly backed Ullmark, saying the team loves and supports him and that the social‑media claims are not true.
- Ullmark has been away since the team announced a personal leave on Dec. 28, and Ottawa moved him to non‑roster status Thursday to open a spot for Lars Eller.
- With Ullmark out, Leevi Merilainen has started, Hunter Shepard has backed up, and veteran James Reimer was signed to an AHL tryout as the club navigates a 2‑4‑0 stretch marked by a 24‑15 scoring deficit.