Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark (35) keeps his eyes on the puck as Montreal Canadiens' Oliver Kapanen (91) and Senators' Tyler Kleven (43) move in during third period NHL preseason hockey action Tuesday, Oct.1, 2024 in Montreal. The Senators signed Ullmark to a four-year, US$33 million contract extension, the club announced Wednesday.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

OTTAWA - Family has always been Linus Ullmark’s top priority, and seeing how easily they settled in Ottawa made him realize he’d found the right place.

Ullmark and his family will officially call the nation’s capital home after the star goaltender signed a four-year contract extension with the Senators worth an average annual value of $8.25 million, keeping him with the team through the 2028-29 season.

“I’m very thankful that I have now the opportunity to build something long-term,” said Ullmark, who had his wife and two children at Wednesday's press conference. “Because this is not just going to happen overnight, it’s going to be a process that I’m hoping to be a positive, you know, injection into the organization and to all the people of Ottawa and Gatineau.”

Ullmark admitted the road hasn’t always been easy, but he’s learned from his journey.

“I’m standing here as the man, the husband and the hockey player because of it. I’m trying to bring all those experiences from the hardships and the good times with this organization.”

Acquired from the Boston Bruins in a trade in June, Ullmark entered the season in the final year of his contract, facing uncertainty without a long-term deal in place. The Senators were content letting the 31-year-old netminder familiarize himself with the organization and the city, confident things would fall into place.

Their strategy paid off.

Ullmark, who will be the NHL's fourth-highest-paid goaltender next season, says he feels welcomed not only by the organization but also by the city and its passionate fan base, and he appreciates the organization for giving him the time to figure things out for himself.

“Once we actually made this step towards finalizing the deal, it felt like everything kind of came into place, not just for me as a father, but also for my kids and my wife as well,” he said. “So, we’re very fortunate, very happy to just stand before you here today.”

General manager Steve Staios opened the press conference by calling it “a great day for the organization” and credited owner Michael Andlauer for his support in making the deal happen.

Staios said negotiations with Ullmark’s agent, Joakim Persson, intensified over the past week, though there had always been open communication.

Ullmark, the 2023 Vezina Trophy winner, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to a Senators team looking to establish itself as a playoff contender. His ability to steal games and perform under pressure will be crucial as Ottawa’s young core continues to develop and improve its defensive structure under Travis Green.

“As a coach, I’m happy it’s done now,” said Green. “You get a tangible feeling of confidence and there was a boost in the locker room. He wanted to play where he enjoyed living, and it says a lot about Ottawa. I’ve enjoyed living here and the fact he’s committed to staying is a credit to the city.”

While the Senators have shown flashes of promise in recent years, inconsistency in goal has been a significant roadblock to their success. The expectation is that Ullmark will be able to change that narrative.

The team has struggled to find consistency in goal since Craig Anderson's departure in 2020, having gambled and lost with the signings of Matt Murray, Cam Talbot, and most recently Joonas Korpisalo.

The Senators have used 17 different starting goaltenders since their last postseason appearance in 2017.

With a solid defence emerging, led by Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot, along with a dynamic group of forwards like Tim Stützle, Shane Pinto, and Brady Tkachuk, the Senators aim to compete in the increasingly competitive Atlantic Division. By locking down Ullmark with this extension, the organization signals its belief that the Swedish goaltender will be the key piece in helping the team take the next step toward becoming a consistent playoff contender.

“I believe Linus is entering his prime,” said Staios. “These next coming years are going to be good for him and timing that with the growth of our group and where we’re at and where I think this group can continue to build.”

Staios shared that it was a good feeling having a goaltender like Ullmark who will be able to provide some much-needed stability and leadership to its core.

“We’re trying to add more people and players like Linus,” said Staios. “Along with that, I feel like the culture is changing here in Ottawa.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 9, 2024.

News from © The Canadian Press, 2024