Ottawa Senators president of hockey operations and general manager Steve Staios issued a statement Thursday strongly denying online speculation about goaltender Linus Ullmark’s absence from the team.
“Our organization was extremely 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 organization’s 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.”
The Senators announced Dec. 28 that Ullmark was stepping away from the team indefinitely due to a personal matter.
Captain Brady Tkachuk didn’t hold back Saturday when addressing the rumors, according to TSN.
“It’s OK for people to critique our on-ice performance. But when it gets into family, it’s pretty f—–g bullshit,” Tkachuk told reporters. “It’s embarrassing that it got to the point that it did. And, yeah, I can tell you for free, I’m not happy about it one bit.”
“It’s just not true. It’s just a bullshit story.”
Forward Tim Stutzle said he contacted Ullmark immediately after the club’s announcement.
“I texted him right after when he left the team for something completely different. Which we don’t even have to get into, it’s something mental health related,” Stutzle said. “Everybody knows that out there. I texted him. Just told him that we all support him for whatever he’s been going through.”
Stutzle echoed his captain’s comments. He emphasized that spreading rumors about a player’s family life is “not acceptable.”
The club moved Ullmark to a non-roster spot Thursday to activate forward Lars Eller from injured reserve.
Ullmark last played Dec. 27 against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He allowed four goals on 14 shots in a 7-5 loss.
The former Vezina Trophy winner has an .881 save percentage in 28 appearances this season.
