NHL Trade Rumors: Is Linus Ullmark’s future with Ottawa Senators in doubt?

| Global Sports Desk | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Jan 15, 2026, 22:46 IST

The NHL trade rumors are once again gaining momentum, and this time, the main spotlight is on Linus Ullmark and the Ottawa Senators. The Swedish goalie has taken the center stage of the league discussion by making a move that can be interpreted in many ways, not only raising questions about his future but also suggesting that Ottawa might be contemplating a huge roster change, depending on how the season goes.

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Ullmark has been taking a personal leave and hasn't participated in any match after Ottawa's 7–5 loss against the Toronto Maple Leafs on December 27. Though personal stuff is part of the game, the timing in this case has upset fans and raised questions. The trade deadlines are nearing, and Ottawa is making an effort to be part of the playoff race.

Why are Linus Ullmark trade rumors growing around Ottawa Senators?

Global Ottawa’s Aaron D’Andrea reported that Senators general manager Steve Staios addressed the matter directly, making it clear that the organization is unhappy with the speculation. Staios denied the rumors, saying that Ullmark is absent for personal matters and the club is backing him completely, requesting the public to respect the goalie’s confidentiality. He made it clear to the public that the online stories were false.

Ullmark's statistics for the 2025–26 season have not yet reached the level of the best among the best from a hockey perspective. He has a total of 14 wins, 8 losses, and 5 draws with a goals-against average of 2.95 and a save percentage of .881, and he has one shutout to his credit. The shutout was on December 18 when Ottawa beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-0. It is additionally important to recognize that Ullmark won the Vezina Trophy in the 2022-23 season with the Boston Bruins.

In the meantime, the goaltending situation in Ottawa has changed significantly. The Senators have made their goalie of the future, Leevi Merilainen, the main man, while veteran James Reimer, who has just joined the team, will be the backup. The presence of Reimer has led to increased discussion about possible trades, despite the fact that the club is at the bottom of the Atlantic Division, yet still very close to the playoffs.

The Senators are adamant that the situation regarding Linus Ullmark is simply a matter of support, not trades. However, the rumors are not likely to die down until he comes back.