The Ottawa Senators’ June 24 acquisition of goalie Linus Ullmark is certainly one of the most impactful trades of last summer.
The deal sent Ottawa’s 2024 first-round pick (No. 25), goalie Joonas Korpisalo and forward Mark Kastelic to the Boston Bruins for 2023 Vezina Trophy winner Ullmark.
His 2.38 goals-against average and .915 save percentage are among the leading reasons why the Senators are currently in a wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference
Ullmark is probably crucial to keeping the Senators in the playoff spot.
But the Senators have to be concerned that Ullmark tweaked his back on Dec. 22 and no one seems sure when he might return to the lineup
The Senators, in the midst of a road trip, have games Thursday in Dallas and Friday in St. Louis. The following Tuesday, the Senators face the Red Wings in Detroit.
Just before the injury happened Ullmark’s strong play had helped the Senators win six in a row. Before the injury, Ullmark gave up eight goals in eight games. That included a pair of shutouts.
The Senators have used Mads Soogard (lost to Winnipeg) and Leevi Merilainen (beat Minnesota) in Ullmark’s absence.