The Ottawa Senators enter a crucial week, with several key storylines developing both on and off the ice. Here's a look at the week ahead for the Sens:

Ullmark's Emotional Return

The biggest story in Ottawa is the return of goaltender Linus Ullmark. After taking a leave of absence to address his mental health, Ullmark made his first start since December 28, 2025, on January 31, 2026, against the New Jersey Devils. The crowd at the Canadian Tire Centre welcomed him back with open arms, and Ullmark delivered a stellar performance, stopping 26 of 27 shots in a 4-1 victory. This win snapped a personal losing streak and marked his first victory since late December.

Ullmark's return is not just a personal victory but also a significant boost for the Senators, who have struggled with goaltending consistency this season. The team ranks high in defensive metrics but low in goals-against average, highlighting the need for reliable netminding. If Ullmark can maintain a high level of play, he could be the key to the Senators making a playoff push.

Ullmark was acquired by the Senators in a trade with the Boston Bruins in June 2024 for Joonas Korpisalo, Mark Kastelic, and a first-round pick. In 28 games this season, he has a 14-8-5 record.

Schedule Ahead

The Senators have a busy week ahead with three away games before returning home later in the month.

• February 2: at Pittsburgh Penguins
• February 3: at Carolina Hurricanes
• February 5: at Philadelphia Flyers
• February 26: vs Detroit Red Wings
• February 28: at Toronto Maple Leafs

Trade Deadline Looming

With the NHL trade deadline approaching, speculation is mounting about potential moves the Senators might make. General Manager Steve Staios faces decisions about whether to buy, sell, or stand pat. Key questions include:

• Will the Senators be aggressive in pursuing a top-six forward?
• Are any players on the current roster considered expendable?
• Will the team prioritize acquiring assets for the future or making a push for the playoffs this season?

The Senators' performance in the upcoming games could significantly influence Staios's strategy leading up to the deadline.

Playoff Push

As of February 2, 2026, the Senators are on the outside of the Eastern Conference playoff race, but their underlying metrics suggest they are a better team than their record indicates. They have the sixth-best expected goal differential in the league but are held back by goaltending. With Ullmark back and potentially playing at a high level, the Senators have an opportunity to climb the standings.

The upcoming schedule, with several games against teams around them in the standings, will be a critical test. If the Senators can string together some wins, they could find themselves in a playoff spot by the end of the month.