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Ottawa Senators News & Rumors: Ullmark, Merilainen, Anderson

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Old Prof | Last updated Jan 29, 2025 6:57 PM ET

In today’s Ottawa Senators News & Rumours report, I’ll take a look at two of the Senators top goalies. One is current, and the other is from the past.

Linus Ullmark Will Soon Return to Game Action for the Senators

The surprising Ottawa Senators have been bouncing in and out of a playoff spot, even with goalie Linus Ullmark out with an injury. However, the news that Ullmark will soon return falls on receptive ears for Senators fans. Ullmark will be a huge boost to the team’s playoff push. Young goalie Leevi Merilainen has stepped in with Ullmark out, but the 31-year-old has been missed.

Merilainen has been outstanding for the Senators. In his recent game, he stopped 34 of 35 shots in Sunday’s 3-1 win over Utah. The 22-year-old has gone 5-1-1 in the first seven starts of his NHL career, posting a stellar 1.69 GAA and .940 save percentage. He’ll remain the team’s top goalie until Ullmark actually dons the Senators’ sweater.

The most recent news is that Ullmark could be ready for action on Thursday against the Capitals or Saturday against the Wild. He was riding a seven-game winning streak before suffering his back injury in December. He’s been out more than a month now (since the Dec. 22 game against Edmonton).

Look for Ullmark to Reclaim His Starting Role

When Ullmark is cleared to return, he’s expected to reclaim his starting role. He might need a game or two to get back into game shape. However, if he can return to his previous form, the Senators could surprise everyone and make a successful run at the playoffs. Ullmark’s return couldn’t come at a better time. Can the team ride his solid play right into a playoff berth?

Craig Anderson’s NHL Legacy with the Ottawa Senators

Speaking of Senators goalies, when Craig Anderson retired at the ripe old age of 42, he was the oldest player in the NHL. But even in his last season (2022-23 with the Buffalo Sabres), he put up a .907 save percentage. Playing with six NHL teams, his longest tenure with one team was with the Senators. He first suited up in Ottawa in 2011 and moved from Canada’s capital city to the Washington Capitals (the capital city of the United States). [It would be a cheap joke to say he met a lot of senators in his time.]

It didn’t take Anderson long to become a key piece of the Senators’ puzzle. In his 10 seasons with Ottawa, he set several franchise records. He was first in games played in the crease (435) and the top Senators goalie in terms of wins (202). He had the Senators’ highest save percentage (.914). All that got him recently named as the top goalie in Senators franchise history and part of the team’s Quarter Century squad.

Anderson’s 2012-13 Season Was Outstanding

Anderson’s 2012-13 campaign was particularly strong. He led the league with a .941 save percentage and a 1.69 GAA. He also played a key role in the Senators’ playoff push that year, helping the team reach the Eastern Conference Semifinals. In 2017, Anderson was awarded the Bill Masterton Trophy for his perseverance and sportsmanship, a testament to his dedication and resilience on and off the ice. Anderson’s leadership and stellar play made him a cornerstone for the Senators during his time with the team, and he remains a well-loved player in Ottawa.

As noted, in recognition of his remarkable career in Ottawa, he was named the first goalie of the Senators Quarter-Century team. Congratulations to Anderson on that accomplishment.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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