In a surprising turn of events, the Ottawa Senators' forceful public denial of swirling rumors about goaltender Linus Ullmark has drawn sharp criticism from a seasoned hockey executive. Former NHL General Manager Doug Maclean has openly questioned the team's strategy, suggesting their strong statement may have inadvertently amplified the controversy instead of quelling it.
Senators' Fiery Denial and Maclean's Critique
The controversy erupted when Ottawa Senators president Steve Staios issued a vehement statement condemning online trolls for spreading what he called completely fabricated and false narratives. The rumors linked goaltender Linus Ullmark's prolonged, unexplained absence from the team to an alleged cheating scandal. Ullmark has been away for undisclosed personal reasons since late December.
Reacting to this move, Doug Maclean offered a critical assessment during an appearance on Sportsnet 590 The Fan. He expressed disbelief at the decision to address the gossip publicly. "When that comment came out last night, I was thinking, 'No, no, don't go there, guys,'" Maclean stated. He advised that the organization should have focused internally on resolving the situation and determining Ullmark's return timeline.
An Unprecedented Situation in the NHL
Maclean, drawing from his extensive experience, emphasized the bizarre nature of the entire episode. He highlighted the confusion it has sown within the team's ranks. "Right now, the players don't know what to think of it. The coaches don't know what to think of it, and the general manager and president of hockey operations don't know what to do," he explained.
He underscored the uniqueness of the situation, noting, "This is a situation I've never come across in my lifetime. In 24 or 25 years in the NHL and 10 years in media, I've never seen something this bizarre." This statement from a veteran like Maclean underscores the unusual challenge the Senators are facing.
Ullmark's Status and Season Performance
Amid the off-ice drama, the Senators took a procedural step regarding their Swedish netminder. On Thursday, they moved Linus Ullmark to a non-roster spot to accommodate the return of veteran center Lars Eller. Ullmark was last in action on December 27 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, a game where he allowed four goals.
The 30-year-old goalie, acquired from the Boston Bruins in June 2024, signed a substantial four-year, $33 million contract extension in October. In his second season with Ottawa, his performance statistics stand at a 14-8-5 record with a 2.95 goals against average and an .881 save percentage. His absence leaves a significant gap in the Senators' lineup as they navigate both the sporting and public relations challenges.
The organization now finds itself managing a delicate scenario, balancing support for a player dealing with personal matters against the intense scrutiny of the public eye, all while receiving critique from hockey insiders on its handling of the crisis.
