Senators' Linus Ullmark regains Vezina-caliber play after mental health absence
Ottawa goaltender Linus Ullmark has posted a 5-0 record with a .948 save percentage and 1.27 goals-against average early in 2026-27. He struggled in 2025-26 before taking a mental health leave, then played well in the Senators' first-round playoff series against Carolina. Ullmark's resurgence has helped Ottawa start 5-1-0 and sit atop the Atlantic Division despite injuries and the offseason trade of Brady Tkachuk.
Ottawa’s strong start has come while several regulars are unavailable, including Jake Sanderson, William Eklund and Artem Zub, and after Brady Tkachuk was dealt away for draft selections. Ullmark’s early numbers—five wins without a loss, a .948 save rate and a 1.27 goals-against average—have helped keep the club at the top of the Atlantic Division.
In 2025-26, his play dipped to a .891 save percentage before he stepped away for mental health reasons. After returning, he was Ottawa’s strongest performer in a first-round sweep by Carolina, keeping all four games competitive. Daily Faceoff LIVE’s Carter Hutton, who previously spent three years with Ullmark, highlighted his post-return statistics and called him a difference-maker.
Ullmark’s resurgence could shape how fans, teammates and young athletes view mental health breaks in elite sport. A high-profile goalie returning to top form may reduce stigma and encourage more open conversations about pressure and well-being. It could also remind teams that supporting players through difficult periods can yield competitive benefits. The impact remains uncertain, since individual stories cannot represent every athlete’s experience.