Sens move Linus Ullmark to non-roster spot, activate Lars Eller

The Ottawa Senators have done some roster shuffling.

The team announced they have activated Lars Eller from injured reserve in time for Thursday’s game against the Colorado Avalanche. To make room for Eller, they have removed goaltender Linus Ullmark from the active roster.

Ullmark, 32, has been on a personal leave of absence from the Senators since December 28th. Ottawa’s decision to move him to a non-roster spot suggests his return to action is not imminent. In 28 starts this season, Ullmark has a 14-8-5 record with a .881 save percentage and a 2.95 goals-against average.

The Swedish national is in his second season with the Senators after he was acquired from the Boston Bruins in exchange for goaltender Joonas Korpisalo, forward Mark Kastelic, and a first-round pick. In 43 starts and 44 appearances last season, Ullmark had a 25-14-3 record with a .909 SV% and a 2.72 GAA.

Eller, 36, has missed Ottawa’s last 12 games due to a foot injury he suffered against the Columbus Blue Jackets on December 11th. In 28 games played this season, he has two goals and four assists for six points.

The Danish national signed a one-year, $1.25 million deal with the Senators this past offseason. Now in his 17th season, Eller’s 1,144 NHL games played is the most of any Danish-born player. His 430 career points is currently third all-time among Danish-born players behind the Carolina Hurricanes’ Nikolaj Ehlers and the retired Frans Nielsen. Eller was also named to Denmark’s roster for the men’s hockey tournament at the upcoming 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

With 45 points through 42 games, the Senators have fallen to last place in the closely contested Atlantic Division, but are just four points back of the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.

After Thursday’s game in Colorado, Ottawa will return home the play the Florida Panthers on Saturday.