Ottawa Senators Lock Down Star Goaltender Linus Ullmark with Lucrative Four-Year Extension
In a move that solidifies their crease for the foreseeable future, the Ottawa Senators have inked star goaltender Linus Ullmark to a four-year contract extension worth $8.25 million annually. The 31-year-old netminder, acquired in a blockbuster trade from the Boston Bruins in June, was set to enter the final year of his current deal carrying a $5 million average annual value.
Ullmark’s new pact, which kicks in for the 2025-26 season, places him among the NHL’s elite goaltenders in terms of compensation. His salary cap hit matches that of his former Bruins teammate Jeremy Swayman, who recently signed an eight-year deal.
Senators president of hockey operations and general manager Steve Staios praised the signing, stating, “Linus has quickly bought into our team’s culture and has experienced the strong sense of community in Ottawa-Gatineau. We’re thrilled to have him committed to our organization for the long haul.”
Ullmark’s impressive résumé includes a Vezina Trophy win in 2022-23, when he and Swayman formed the league’s top goaltending tandem. Last season, he posted a 22-10-7 record and a.915 save percentage. The Senators, who ranked last in the NHL in save percentage (.884) last season, are banking on Ullmark to stabilize their crease and lead the team to improved fortunes.
In a statement, Ullmark expressed his enthusiasm for the extension, citing the importance of finding a long-term fit for his family. “Since arriving in Ottawa, we’ve felt a strong connection to the community. I’m excited to contribute to the team’s growth and help bring success to this city.”
With this deal, Ullmark becomes the NHL’s fourth-highest paid active goalie in average annual value, trailing only Sergei Bobrovsky, Andrei Vasilevskiy, and Connor Hellebuyck. However, his ranking is likely to shift once New York Rangers star goalie Igor Shesterkin inks a new contract, which is expected to be one of the richest in the league.
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