Senators G Linus Ullmark taking leave of absence

The Ottawa Senators announced Sunday that goaltender Linus Ullmark is beginning a leave of absence for personal reasons.

"Linus has the full support of our organization during this time," Senators president of hockey operations and general manager Steve Staios said in a statement. "Out of respect to Linus, we will not be making any further comments."

Ullmark is Ottawa's primary goaltender, having started 28 of the team's 37 games this season. His leave comes after he allowed four goals on 14 shots to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night and was removed around the halfway point of the eventual 7-5 loss.

Ullmark, 32, is 14-8-5 this season with a 2.95 goals-against average and an .881 save percentage. His 11-year NHL career has seen him suit up for the Buffalo Sabres (2015-21) and Boston Bruins (2021-24) before joining Ottawa via trade in 2024.

He was an All-Star in 2022-23 and won the Vezina Trophy for the league's top goaltender. He also shared the William M. Jennings Trophy with Boston teammate Jeremy Swayman for the goalie tandem with the fewest goals allowed.

Leevi Merilainen is Ottawa's No. 2 option at goalie.