Dec 22, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark (35) gets ready to face a shot against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

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Linus Ullmark Returns as Ottawa Senators Make Key Roster Moves

Senators activate Ullmark from LTIR, sending Merilainen to AHL after his impressive stint. Will Ullmark boost Ottawa's playoff push?

Dec 22, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark (35) gets ready to face a shot against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

The Ottawa Senators have made some big roster moves, shifting defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker and forward Noah Gregor to long-term injured reserve (LTIR). This move gave them the cap flexibility to activate star goaltender Linus Ullmark, leaving them with $105,000 in LTIR cap space.

In addition, the team sent goaltender Leevi Merilainen back to the minors, signaling that Ullmark is close to returning from his back injury, which has kept him out for the past 18 games. According to TSN’s Bruce Garrioch and the NHL media site, Ullmark has officially been activated from LTIR. He could make his return as soon as Monday when Ottawa faces Nashville.

ITS A #SENS GAMEDAY!!!

Ottawa looks to make it FIVE WINS in a row as they take on the Predators in Nashville!

Do we see Linus Ullmark return to the net? 👀

It’s also the lone game in the NHL tonight. As usual, the Senators are the main character. #GOSENSGO!! pic.twitter.com/FL7rVczxG3
— SENS TALK (@senstalk_) February 3, 2025

Merilainen stepped up in a big way during Ullmark’s absence. Serving as the backup to Anton Forsberg, Merilainen appeared in 12 games, earning an impressive 8-3-1 record with a .925 save percentage. If he doesn’t play in any more NHL games this season, his.925 save percentage would rank as the sixth-highest in Senators history for a goalie with at least 10 games played. He’d join an elite group featuring standout seasons from Craig Anderson, Andrew Hammond, Robin Lehner, Ron Tugnutt, and Dominik Hasek.

Also Read : Blue Jackets Kirill Marchenko Sidelined With Broken Jaw

Now, Merilainen will return to the AHL’s Belleville Senators, where he started the season as their top goalie. Before his NHL call-up, he had a strong 7-2-4 record with a .901 save percentage in 13 games. His return is much needed, as Belleville has struggled in his absence, with their current goaltenders posting save percentages below .890. Merilainen is expected to reclaim the starting role and stabilize the crease. If he continues his stellar play, he may force Ottawa to reconsider its NHL backup options.

Meanwhile, Ullmark is set to take back the starting job in Ottawa. The Senators have been in desperate need of consistent goaltending, and acquiring the former Vezina Trophy winner this summer has already proven to be a smart move. Before his injury, Ullmark posted a solid 12-7-2 record with a .915 save percentage in 23 games, silencing doubts about his ability to perform in a more challenging environment.

With Ullmark returning, the Senators will aim to keep building on their recent momentum, as they’ve gone 7-2-1 in their last 10 games. His steady presence in the net could be the key to extending their hot streak.

Image Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

Jacob Bernard-Docker

Linus Ullmark

NHL

ottawa Senators

Anamika Shrivastava

nhl

I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!