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Senators rumors: 3 options to backup Linus Ullmark next season, per insider
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- Senators rumors: 3 options to backup Linus Ullmark next season, per insider
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Senators rumors: 3 options to backup Linus Ullmark next season, per insider appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Ottawa Senators are seeking stability behind Linus Ullmark heading into the 2026-27 campaign, and it's expected the organization will explore multiple options between the pipes this summer.
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Ullmark has three seasons remaining on his current contract, but he missed 14 games and 35 days after taking a leave of absence to focus on his mental health.
While that situation was obviously far bigger than hockey, the Sens absolutely need a more capable backup after neither Leevi Merilainen nor James Reimer provided much confidence without him in the fold.
As the Ottawa Citizen's Bruce Garrioch reported earlier this week, the front office is eyeing a more reliable backup after the team utilized five goaltenders in 2025-26.
One name already generating speculation is Pittsburgh Penguins ' Stuart Skinner , who will be a UFA on July 1.
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The 27-year-old is expected to draw interest from multiple clubs if he becomes available, and Ottawa has already been loosely connected to him in offseason chatter. Skinner struggled with consistency in Edmonton , but many still believe he could thrive in a reduced role behind an established starter like Ullmark.
Another possibility is current Oilers goaltender Connor Ingram , also a pending UFA. The 29-year-old finished with a 16-10-3 record in 2025-26, managing a respectable .899 save percentage and a 2.60 goals-against average. He has proven capable in a backup role throughout his career.
Finally, Garrioch looks inward, believing Merilainen — who will be a restricted free agent on July 1 — could be brought back.
He struggled when thrust into the No. 1 role after Ullmark left the team, but he is better suited to much fewer starts. He had one great stretch in 2024-25, going 8-3-1 and finishing with a .913 save percentage and a 2.37 GAA, per Garrioch.
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General manager Steve Staios hasn't ruled out potentially bringing back the 23-year-old, although the Senators are expected to do their due diligence on the free agent market first.
Ullmark is at his best as part of an effective tandem, and it's critical that the Sens find a reliable second option, something they lacked for most of last season.
Following a second consecutive Round 1 loss in the Stanley Cup Playoffs , improving the backup position is one of a few tweaks Ottawa is likely to make in the quest to take another step forward in 2026-27.
