Ottawa Senators Sign Linus Ullmark to a Four-Year, $33.0 Million Extension

The Ottawa Senators have taken a major step toward stabilizing their future by signing goaltender Linus Ullmark to a four-year, $33.0 million extension, locking him in at an average annual value (AAV) of $8.25 million. In a move that demonstrates the Senators commitment to competing in the ever-tightening Atlantic Division, Ullmark’s extension solidifies Ottawa’s goaltending situation and gives them a proven netminder capable of backstopping their ambitious rebuild back to relevance, and ultimately to the playoffs.

Stability in Net

Since arriving in Ottawa, Ullmark has been nothing short of outstanding in the preseason. His calm demeanor in the crease, paired with an exceptional ability to track pucks through traffic and make critical saves, has been exactly what the Senators needed to stabilize their backend. The Senators are betting on Ullmark to relive his Boston Bruin performances where he proved he could handle a heavy workload while stealing games for competitive team.

Ottawa, which has struggled to find consistency in net for years, now has a bonafide elite goaltender under contract for the foreseeable future. Ullmark’s ability to thrive under pressure and deliver in big moments makes this extension a crucial piece of the Senators long-term puzzle. He is the kind of goaltender that can not only give his team a chance to win every night but also mask some of the growing pains the young Senators roster may still experience.

Ullmark’s Path to Ottawa

Ullmark’s rise to elite goaltending status was anything but linear. Drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in 2012, Ullmark quietly toiled in a dysfunctional organization that never provided him the stability or defensive support to fully flourish. It wasn’t until he moved to the Boston Bruins, where he became a part of their defensive system, that he took the step from a solid goalie to one of the league’s best.

In Boston, Ullmark found his stride, posting career-best numbers that earned him recognition as a top-tier netminder winning the Vezina Trophy in 2022-23 season. However, as the Bruins entered a transitional phase and Ottawa saw the opportunity to acquire a franchise goaltender, the Senators made the bold move to trade for Ullmark. It was a trade that signaled Ottawa’s intent to compete in the present, not just the future.

The Senators are hoping that the gamble pays off. Ullmark has the presence to help stabilize Ottawa’s defense and gave their young core the confidence to play more aggressively, knowing they have a reliable goaltender behind them.

Leading the Senators Back to the Promised Land

Ottawa’s long playoff drought, dating back to their surprise run to the Eastern Conference Final in 2017, has weighed heavily on the organization. Since then, the team has been in various stages of rebuilding, cycling through young prospects, veterans, and interim solutions in net without much success. With the extension of Ullmark, the Senators are making a clear statement: they believe they are on the cusp of turning the corner and returning to postseason contention.

The signing aligns with Ottawa’s recent efforts to secure key members of their roster. They’ve already locked up players like Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stützle, Josh Norris, and Jake Sanderson, to long-term deals. These foundational pieces, along with Ullmark’s steady presence in net, give Ottawa the building blocks to construct a competitive team capable of going deep in the playoffs.

In a division as competitive as the Atlantic—featuring powerhouses like the Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Florida Panthers—having elite goaltending is a non-negotiable if a team hopes to make a playoff push. The Senators now have that in Ullmark, and his ability to steal games could be the difference between sneaking into a wildcard spot and falling short again.

Worth the Investment?

At $8.25 million AAV, Ullmark’s extension places him among the highest-paid goaltenders in the league. Critics may argue that this is a steep price for a goaltender, especially given the volatility of the position. However, in today’s NHL, where the margin between winning and losing is razor-thin, securing an elite netminder can be the most important decision a franchise makes.

Ullmark’s contract is not only a financial commitment, it’s a declaration of faith in his ability to carry this team. For a Senators franchise that has lacked stability for years, having Ullmark between the pipes provides a sense of security that cannot be overstated. His durability, consistent performance, and experience in big-game situations gives Ottawa a chance to remain competitive throughout the course of this deal.

Moreover, this investment in Ullmark could serve as a catalyst for other key players to elevate their game. A goaltender who can regularly keep the team in games boosts morale and allows younger players to develop without the constant pressure of having to outscore opponents to compensate for poor goaltending.

The Road Ahead

While goaltending is crucial, Ottawa still has work to do. Their defensive core is improving but remains a work in progress. Jake Sanderson has shown tremendous promise, and veterans like Artem Zub and Thomas Chabot bring a certain reliability. Yet, Ottawa will need to continue developing their depth to ensure they don’t leave Ullmark overexposed.

Up front, the team boasts an exciting offensive group with the likes of Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stützle, Josh Norris, Drake Batherson, and Shane Pinto. They will need to maintain consistency, but with Ullmark anchoring the defense, the offense can focus on taking the next step in their development.

The Senators are not a finished product, but with Ullmark in place, they’ve secured arguably the most important position in hockey for the next four years. Now, the rest of the team can grow knowing they have a goalie who will give them a chance to win every night.

Final Thoughts

Linus Ullmark’s four-year, $33.0 million extension is a bold but necessary move for the Ottawa Senators. It reflects a franchise ready to emerge from the shadows of rebuilding and compete in one of the toughest divisions in hockey. With Ullmark leading the charge, the Senators have a legitimate chance to return to the playoffs and possibly the Stanley Cup contention they’ve been chasing since their Cinderella run in 2017. For the Senators, the message is clear: the time to win is now, and Linus Ullmark is the man they’re trusting to lead them back to the promised land.