The Ottawa Senators have made a significant roster move after goaltender Linus Ullmark missed practice on Tuesday. The team has recalled Mads Sogaard from the Belleville Senators of the American Hockey League (AHL).
Ullmark, who was acquired by the Senators in a trade with the Buffalo Sabres in July, was expected to compete for the starting goaltender position alongside Matt Murray. However, his absence from practice has raised concerns about his availability for the upcoming season.
Sogaard, a 21-year-old Danish goaltender, was drafted by the Senators in the second round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. He has spent the past two seasons playing for the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League (WHL) before joining the Belleville Senators this year.
In his first professional season, Sogaard has posted a 2-1-0 record with a 2.33 goals against average and a .922 save percentage in three games with Belleville. He has also represented Denmark at the World Junior Championships in 2019 and 2020.
The Senators have not provided any further details on Ullmark’s absence from practice, but head coach D.J. Smith has stated that the team is taking a cautious approach with their players’ health and safety.
Sogaard’s recall is a testament to the Senators’ depth in the goaltending position and their confidence in the young netminder’s abilities. He will join Murray and Anton Forsberg as the team’s goaltending options for the upcoming season.
The Senators are set to open their season on October 14 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, and it remains to be seen if Ullmark will be available for the game. In the meantime, Sogaard will have the opportunity to showcase his skills and potentially earn a spot on the Senators’ roster.
This roster move also highlights the importance of having a strong AHL affiliate in Belleville, as it allows the Senators to call up talented players like Sogaard when needed.
Fans will have to wait and see how this situation unfolds, but one thing is for sure – the Senators are prepared to face any challenges that come their way this season.
