The Ottawa Senators have been dealt a massive blow in the middle of a heated playoff race. It was confirmed today that starting goaltender Linus Ullmark is taking an indefinite leave of absence for personal reasons. With the team sitting just one point out of a Wild Card spot, the timing couldn’t be worse—but a legendary solution might be waiting in the wings. Rumors are swirling that the Senators are “kicking the tires” on 41-year-old future Hall of Famer Marc-Andre Fleury to come out of retirement and stabilize the crease. If Ullmark is gone for months rather than days, Fleury isn’t just a nostalgic option; he might be the only option to save the season.
Let’s be honest about the situation in the nation’s capital right now. The vibe has been tense. Watching Ullmark get pulled after allowing four goals on 14 shots against the Maple Leafs in that 7-5 loss on Saturday felt like a breaking point. While we wish Linus the absolute best with his personal matters—some things are bigger than hockey—the business of the NHL doesn’t stop.
Ullmark is in his second season with Ottawa, and the numbers haven’t been elite. He owns a 2.95 goals-against average and an .881 save percentage through 28 games. Those aren’t numbers that guarantee a playoff berth, especially when the defense in front of him has been inconsistent.
Why The Senators Desperately Need Fleury’s Experience Now
This is where the Marc-Andre Fleury rumors go from “internet fodder” to “legitimate possibility.” I’ve covered this league for a long time, and I know that GMs hate uncertainty more than anything else.
Why Fleury? It’s not just about stopping pucks, though he proved even in his final days that he can still steal a game. It is about the room. The Senators are a team with high expectations that is currently fragile. They need a personality that absorbs pressure. Fleury is the ultimate insurance policy. He brings a calmness and a joy to the game that permeates the locker room. When “Flower” is smiling, the team relaxes.
We know teams have been checking in on the retired legend. The playoff race is a meat grinder, and injuries are mounting across the league. But for Ottawa, this is specific. If they are serious about doing damage in the postseason, they cannot hand the reins over to an unproven tandem while waiting for Ullmark.
Convincing Fleury to unretire is a tall task. He went out on his own terms. However, the lure of one last run with a Canadian team, in a market hungry for success, with a roster that should be winning, might just be enough to get him to strap on the pads one last time. If the Sens management determines Ullmark is out long-term, expect them to make an aggressive pitch to Fleury within the next 48 hours.
Ottawa Senators News: Fantasy Pools and TV Schedules
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