Linus Ullmark return timeline: Senators head coach Travis Green provides update on $33 million goalie's return

Ottawa Senators netminder Linus Ullmark could be back in the lineup as soon as Friday night against the New Jersey Devils, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported. Friedman reported an update provided by Sens head coach Travis Green.

Linus Ullmark, who recently signed a four-year, $33 million contract with the Ottawa Senators, missed last Monday’s game against the Los Angeles Kings. Daily Faceoff reported Ullmark suffered a strain, being originally listed as day-to-day.

It was reported that Ullmark had not practiced on Sunday due to a maintenance day. However, it was later revealed that he would miss the game against the Kings. Thus far, it seems that keeping him out is more of a precautionary measure. Officially, the Senators listed him as day-to-day but without a clear timeline.

In Ullmark’s absence, Anton Forsberg and Mads Sogaard combined to give up eight goals against the Kings on Monday afternoon. Sogaard was recalled from the AHL to backup Forsberg. However, neither Forsberg nor Sogaard have been overly reliable.

Ullmark has posted a 2.58 GAA and a .914 SV% in two games this season. The Senators are counting on him to provide stability in goal this season as the club looks to make the playoffs.

Linus Ullmark among Ottawa Senators’ key injuries

Linus Ullmark is one of the various players on the Senators’ injury report. In addition to him, forward Ridly Greig and Artem Zub are on the shelf.

The 21-year-old Greig is reportedly out week-to-week with an upper-body injury, missing last Sunday’s practice. Apparently, Greig sustained the injury in the game against the Montreal Canadiens. Meanwhile, Adam Gaudette should continue to fill his spot in the lineup.

As for Zub, the blueliner sustained a concussion during Monday’s game against the Kings and is expected to miss at least a week. In Zub’s place, Jacob Bernard-Docker is expected to step in.

Zub has missed time over the past couple of seasons. Last year, he took a shot to the head from Washington Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin, causing him to sit on the sidelines for about a month. As for Bernard-Docker, Zub’s absence could provide him with an opportunity to show he belongs in the NHL.

The Sens will be tested on Friday as they host the Devils at Canadian Tire Centre.