NHL insider David Pagnotta reports Ottawa Senators & Linus Ullmark do not have 'any sense of definitive urgency' in signing long-term extension
Linus Ullmark was traded to the Ottawa Senators by the Boston Bruins in June. As a part of the deal, the Bruins acquired center Mark Kastelic, netminder Joonas Korpisalo and a first-round pick in the 2024 NHL draft.
Ullmark is set to enter the final season of his four-year, $20 million contract, signed with the Bruins as a free agent in 2021. Despite the Ottawa Senators expressing strong interest in Ullmark, there appears to be no immediate push for a long-term contract extension.
NHL insider David Pagnotta reports that both the Sens and Ullmark do not share "any sense of definitive urgency" regarding a potential deal. He said (via NHL Rumors):
"I think once this was consummated in June, that both sides kind of have that same mindset. Both sides are like, listen, let’s play this out. Let’s see where this goes before we enter into any type of long-term marriage, any type of long-term relationship. Here, let’s see how we gel with each other, and if the feeling is right, then, okay, let’s work on getting an extension."
"It doesn’t sound like there’s any sense of definitive urgency from either side in terms of getting a deal done. You’re right, without question Swayman’s deal, Shesterkin’s deal, etc, like those guys are going to factor into what Ullmark is ultimately going to get on his deal as a potential unrestricted free agent next July," he added.
Linus Ullmark won the Vezina in 2023. His experience and skill set made him an attractive candidate for the Senators, as they bolstered their goaltending options.
However, the lack of urgency, as reported by Pagonotta, suggests that both parties may be taking a cautious approach, possibly waiting to assess the season's development before committing to a long-term agreement.
Ottawa Senators GM provides three key injury updates
Tim Stutzle, Thomas Chabot and Brady Tkachuk have all reportedly avoided serious injuries, much to the relief of the Ottawa Senators.
Stutzle and Tkachuk left Tuesday's game against the Montreal Canadiens after an altercation with defenseman Arber Xhekaj, while Chabot exited as a precaution. Sens GM Steve Staois confirmed on the Locked on Senators podcast that the trio is fine.
Meanwhile, coach Travis Green also reassured reporters that he doesn't expect the team to be without any of the three players for an extended period. The Senators return to their preseason clash against the Detroit Red Wings on Friday.