Sens' Ullmark takes leave of absence for personal reasons

Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark is taking a leave of absence for personal reasons, the team announced Sunday.

The Senators didn't provide a timetable for his return.

"Linus has the full support of our organization during this time," Senators president of hockey operations Steve Staios said in a statement. "Out of respect to Linus, we will not be making any further comments."

Ullmark has struggled this season, posting a 2.95 goals against average and a career-worst .881 save percentage while allowing a league-high 82 goals in 28 games. Ottawa pulled the 2023 Vezina Trophy winner from Saturday's loss against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second period after allowing four goals on 14 shots in just over 27 minutes of action.

The 32-year-old is in the second season of a four-year, $33-million contract.

Rookie Leevi Merilainen, who's been Ullmark's backup this campaign, will presumably take over as Ottawa's No. 1 goalie going forward. The 23-year-old Finn is 4-6-0 with a .874 save percentage and 3.43 GAA in 10 games this season. The Sens also have netminders Hunter Shepard, Jackson Parsons, and Mats Sogaard in their AHL organization with the Belleville Senators.

Ottawa sits 12th in the Eastern Conference with an 18-14-5 record.