Ottawa Senators’ Linus Ullmark Opens Up on Mental Health Struggles

Ottawa Senators goalie Linus Ullmark has publicly addressed his mental health challenges for the first time since taking a leave of absence from the game. This leave, announced on December 28, 2025, followed a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs and sparked online speculation, which the team has since sought to dispel.

In a candid interview with TSN’s Claire Hanna, Ullmark detailed the anxiety he experienced during games, stating, “I was having panic attacks—seriously having anxiety problems and panic in between the first and second period.” He described how these feelings impacted his performance, prompting him to reach out to the Senators’ player assistance program after the game.

Steve Staios, general manager of the Senators, expressed the organization’s support for Ullmark, stating, “Linus has the full support of our organization during this time.” He emphasized the need for privacy regarding Ullmark’s personal struggles, but within hours, rumors began circulating online, suggesting reasons for Ullmark’s leave that were unfounded and damaging.

Ullmark revealed he was initially unaware of these rumors, saying, “It took them less than 24 hours from my absence of leave to try to find reasons to why I’m gone. Saying that I’m a homewrecker, a person that no one likes in the team. And I can’t defend myself.” He became aware of the speculation days later, which added to his distress.

In response to the false narratives, Staios issued a statement via the team’s social media channels on January 8, 2025. He condemned the “completely fabricated and false stories” surrounding Ullmark and reiterated the organization’s support for the player. The statement urged the public to respect Ullmark’s privacy and denounced those who sought to disrupt the team with their rumors.

Teammates also rallied around Ullmark, with Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stützle expressing their frustration during a media conference. Tkachuk labeled the rumors as “pretty f-ing bullshit,” articulating the solidarity within the locker room. Ullmark expressed gratitude for the support, calling the statements from his teammates “heartwarming.”

The Senators organization has taken steps to assist Ullmark during this challenging time. He has received support from medical professionals and even connected with Victor Hedman, captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning and ambassador for the mental wellness brand NOSOLO. Ullmark also mentioned that the Senators brought in his former junior goalie coach, Maciej Szwoch, to provide additional support.

Ullmark clarified that his decision to speak publicly was not motivated by a desire for recognition but rather a personal journey toward healing. “Do I wish that me being open will help people? Yeah, at the end of the day, it would be a nice thing. But it wasn’t my plan. My plan was to fix me,” he stated.

As the Senators prepare to face the Columbus Blue Jackets, Ullmark is not yet ready to return to the ice. James Reimer is slated to start in net for the game. Ullmark’s openness about his mental health struggles highlights the growing conversation around mental wellness in sports, encouraging others to seek help when needed.