Senators Navigate Mid-Season Crossroads Amid Playoff Push and Arena Plans
OTTAWA, January 22, 2026 – The Ottawa Senators find themselves at a familiar juncture as the 2025-26 NHL season passes its midpoint: in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race while managing off-ice storylines. With a record of 23-19-7 and 53 points, the team sits eighth in the conference, battling inconsistency on the ice and significant turnover in the crease. Simultaneously, the organisation continues to make steady progress toward its long-term goal of a downtown arena at LeBreton Flats, a project that remains years from completion.
On-Ice Performance: A Season of Peaks and Valleys
The Senators have shown flashes of the team that made the playoffs last season, but have struggled to string together consistent victories. Since December 21, they have lost nine of 13 games, sliding back in the Eastern Conference wild card chase. A recent 4-1 road victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets, backed by 21 saves from newcomer James Reimer, provided a needed boost as they continue a three-game road trip in Nashville on Thursday. Offence has not been the primary issue, with stars like Tim Stützle, Brady Tkachuk, and Claude Giroux leading the way. Instead, defensive lapses and goaltending instability have been the central themes.
Goaltending Carousel Reaches a Critical Point
The Senators’ season has been dramatically shaped by events in the crease. Starting goaltender Linus Ullmark has been on a leave of absence since December 28, 2025, after experiencing anxiety and panic during a game the previous night. In a recent interview, Ullmark clarified his absence was solely for mental health reasons, addressing and dispelling rampant false rumours that had circulated. His absence forced rookie Leevi Meriläinen into a prominent role, which proved challenging for the 22-year-old. His struggles culminated in a public critique from defenceman Jake Sanderson following a loss, comments Sanderson has since apologized for.
In response to the crisis, General Manager Steve Staios made a desperation move, signing 37-year-old veteran James Reimer to a one-year contract for the remainder of the season. Reimer has provided immediate stability, winning his Senators debut in Detroit and following it with the victory in Columbus. With Reimer now assuming the starter’s role, Meriläinen has been reassigned to the AHL’s Belleville Senators to recapture his confidence.
Building for the Future: The Long Road to LeBreton Flats
While the current team fights for points, the franchise’s future home is coming into clearer focus. The Senators signed a land-sale agreement with the National Capital Commission (NCC) in August 2025 for approximately 10-11 acres at LeBreton Flats, west of Parliament Hill. Team president Cyril Leeder has stated the goal is to have the site under contract by this fall, with due diligence ongoing. However, the process of land cleanup, design, and construction means a new downtown arena is unlikely to open before the 2031-32 season at the earliest.
This extended timeline has prompted the organisation to invest in upgrades at the current Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata. Recent improvements include new LED lighting, a message board above the 100-level, and plans to refurbish seating and club spaces. The team acknowledges it must enhance the fan experience at its 30-year-old suburban home for several more seasons while the downtown vision is realized.
Key Facts & Statistics
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 2025-26 Record (as of Jan 22) | 23 Wins – 19 Losses – 7 OTL (53 Points) |
| Eastern Conference Standing | 8th Place |
| Recent Key Transaction | Signed G James Reimer (One-year contract), reassigned G Leevi Meriläinen to AHL. |
| Key Offseason Additions | D Jordan Spence (trade), C Lars Eller (UFA), F Kurtis MacDermid (trade). |
| Projected New Arena Timeline | LeBreton Flats site targeted for 2031-32 opening. |
| Next Home Game | vs. New Jersey Devils – January 31, 7:00 p.m. at Canadian Tire Centre. |
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Senators move to a downtown arena?
While significant progress has been made with a land agreement at LeBreton Flats, the process is lengthy. The organisation does not anticipate moving before the 2030-31 season, with a more likely opening around 2031-32. Upgrades will continue at the Canadian Tire Centre in the interim.
What is the status of Linus Ullmark?
Linus Ullmark remains on a personal leave of absence, which he has confirmed is related to addressing his mental health. There is no public timetable for his return to the lineup. The team has supported his decision and moved to stabilize the goaltending position with James Reimer.
Can the Senators make the playoffs this season?
At the midway point, the Senators are in a playoff position but face stiff competition in the Eastern Conference. TSN’s Darren Dreger reported the team has roughly 7-10 games to evaluate its status before deciding to be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline. Consistent goaltending and defensive play will be the determining factors.