Ullmark returns for Senators' home opener against Flyers

Linus Ullmark will return to the Ottawa Senators' net for their home opener against the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday, Oct. 8. Coach Travis Green confirmed the start to reporters after Ullmark took part in the morning skate, Sportsnet reported.

The Senators' official preview confirmed Ullmark will start his third consecutive home opener for Ottawa. He enters Thursday with a 2-0-0 record, a 1.20 goals-against average and a .949 save percentage.

Thomas Chabot will be introduced to the home crowd as Senators captain before the game. "We're fired up to get in front of our fans," he said Thursday morning.

Ullmark missed Tuesday's loss to the Detroit Red Wings after leaving Monday's win over Boston with a minor injury issue. Green said the decision to remove him was precautionary. Samuel Ersson started against Detroit, with Jonas Johansson backing him up.

The Senators had recalled Johansson from Belleville on Tuesday, Oct. 6, and loaned defenceman Jorian Donovan to their AHL affiliate.

Ottawa acquired Johansson from Tampa Bay on Sept. 25 for future considerations and initially sent him to Belleville. He appeared in the AHL club’s first two games this season, earning a win in the second.

Johansson played 25 games for the Lightning in 2025-26, finishing 11-10-2 with a 3.29 goals-against average and an .884 save percentage, according to Ottawa’s announcement.