Ottawa Senators Secure Goalie Linus Ullmark with Four-Year Extension

The Ottawa Senators have announced a significant deal, securing goaltender Linus Ullmark with a four-year, $33-million contract extension. The agreement, confirmed on Wednesday, will commence next season and affords Ullmark an average annual salary of $8.25 million. The announcement comes just as the Senators gear up for their season opener against the Florida Panthers at the Canadian Tire Centre on Thursday night.

Linus Ullmark, age 31, is currently in the final year of a four-year deal he signed with the Boston Bruins in July 2021, which held an average annual value of $5 million. With this extension, Ullmark becomes the fourth-highest-paid goalie in the NHL.

Steve Staios, the club’s president of hockey operations and general manager, highlighted the strategic nature of the deal. “We stayed true to our approach,” Staios commented, emphasizing the importance of making Ullmark and his family feel integrated into the Ottawa community. “We wanted to make Linus and his family comfortable in the community and with our vision for the organization,” he added.

Ullmark’s decision follows closely after his former counterpart at the Bruins, Jeremy Swayman, opted for an eight-year contract with Boston at the same average annual rate. Staios affirmed that negotiations with Ullmark’s agent, Joakim Persson, intensified over the past week, with Swayman’s deal informing but not dictating the final terms.

Upon his trade to the Senators from the Bruins in June, Ullmark adapted quickly to his new environment, relocating his family to Ottawa over the summer. His Vezina Trophy win two years ago as the NHL’s top goaltender underscores his capabilities, which the Senators aim to leverage as they strive to rejuvenate their playoff aspirations.

“It’s a surreal feeling,” Ullmark shared, reflecting on his career trajectory and the significance of his contract with Ottawa. “Looking back, there’s been a lot of hardships, but I’m standing here as the man, the husband, and the hockey player because of it,” he expressed, showing appreciation for the chance to contribute long-term to the Senators.

Head coach Travis Green celebrated the decision, stating, “It’s great news to get the goalie locked in for four years. Everything we’ve seen from him, as far as his play on the ice and his character off the ice, it’s a great deal for Linus and a great deal for the organization.” Green also highlighted Ottawa’s appeal as a destination for players, a sentiment echoed by Ullmark.

Senators captain Brady Tkachuk expressed enthusiasm: “I think it’s, of course, well deserved. He’s just kind of created that spark for our team, and I’m really excited for him and his family.” The Senators aim to translate this morale boost into success as they prepare for the upcoming season.