Linus Ullmark injury: Senators HC Travis Green drops encouraging update on $33,000,000 goalie's return

Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark has been sidelined for over a month with a back injury. He left a game against the Edmonton Oilers on Dec. 22 and has been out of action ever since.

Ullmark was acquired from the Boston Bruins in a blockbuster trade during the 2024 offseason and quickly signed to a four-year, $33,000,000 contract by the Senators. When available, he has provided Ottawa with the value they paid for going 12-7-2, with a 2.38 goals-against average, a .915 save percentage, and three shutouts in 2024-25.

The Swedish netminder was seen rehabbing on the ice before practice on Saturday morning. He stayed on the ice for the entire morning skate for the first time since the injury, which was an excellent sight for the Senators.

Coach Travis Green was asked to provide an update on Ullmark's status after the skate.

"I've said it to you guys lots the fact that he's on the ice with us in a team setting, he's, he's a lot closer than he was three days ago," Green said. (7:00 onwards). "I expect him to play sooner than later, day to day. Yeah, he's not playing tomorrow."

Leevi Merilainen and Anton Forsberg have shared the crease during Linus Ullmark's lengthy absence. They will continue to do so tonight against the Maple Leafs and, at minimum, tomorrow against the Utah Hockey Club.

Linus Ullmark was almost unbeatable before he got injured

Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark (35) makes a save against Calgary Flames left wing Jakob Pelletier (22). (Credits: IMAGN)

Linus Ullmark has been playing at a Vezina Trophy caliber in the month leading up to his back injury.

Ullmark went 8-0-1 in that span with a sparkling 1.48 goals-against average, a .952 save percentage, and two shutouts. This is spectacular numbers from the 31-year-old, giving up just 14 goals in those nine games.

Ottawa is one point out of a wildcard spot in the extremely tight Eastern Conference playoff race. When the time comes, the Senators will be thrilled to have Ullmark back. The team is looking to make the postseason for the first time since 2016-17 after missing the playoffs for seven consecutive seasons - the third-longest active drought in the NHL behind just Detroit (eight seasons) and Buffalo (13 seasons).

The Ottawa Senators will again be without their number-one goaltender tonight against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The puck drops at 7 p.m. EST at the Canadian Tire Centre.