The Ottawa Senators have had a rocky season thus far, and that seems to be extending to off-the-ice rumors.
Ottawa has played the last six games without goalie Linus Ullmark, who remains away from the team, but Ullmark has become the focus of a recent controversy regarding the team. Ullmark is in his second year with the Senators and is the team's established starting goaltender, leading the team with 28 starts this year.
However, social media rumors have exploded regarding Ullmark and his relationship with his teammates, to the point where the Senators had to address the situation publicly. Here's a breakdown of what happened.
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Linus Ullmark rumors
Linus Ullmark has been away from the Senators since Dec. 29 over a personal matter, but rumors have spread online over the issue at hand. Unsubstantiated rumors claim that Ullmark is at the center of a cheating scandal among players in the Senators locker room.
Ottawa has denied these rumors regarding a potential cheating scandal within the team, calling them "completely fabricated."
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Ottawa Senators statement
Senators president Steve Staios released a statement on Jan. 8 addressing these rumors but shooting them down completely.
"Our organization was completely disappointed to read the completely fabricated and false stories that are spreading around social media about our hockey club," Staios said. "Linus is away from our team for personal reasons and he has the entire organizations support. We asked that people respect his privacy, but clearly that request was not heard by the lowest forms of trolls and sick people who scour the internet. We are disgusted that outside forces are attempting to disrupt our hockey club. This statement will put an end to the ridiculous speculation that has spread online."
A statement from President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Steve Staios. Pic.twitter.com/aTb7taO2av
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) January 9, 2026
Why is Linus Ullmark on leave?
Linus Ullmark is on leave from the Senators for a personal matter, but both he and the Senators have kept that matter private. That has apparently opened the door for rumors to run rampant on social media regarding why Ullmark is away from the team.
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