In a media availability on Sunday, the GM said that the Swedish netminder is back skating and should return to the team “sooner rather than later.” However, there is still no timeline for his return.
“Linus has been on the ice the last couple of days. So a good step forward for him,” Staios said.
Staios added that the Senators are comfortable with their goaltending depth and won’t be looking for reinforcements.
Ullmark suffered a back injury during Ottawa’s 3-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Dec. 22. The 31-year-old left after the first period with upper body tightness, and has been out week-to-week ever since.
Acquired by the Senators in a trade with the Boston Bruins in June, Ullmark has a 12-7-2 record with a .915 save percentage and a 2.38 goals-against average this season.
Staios was also asked about Ullmark’s potential availability for the 4 Nations Face-Off in February — in which the goaltender was selected to be part of Sweden’s team — but said that it would be a problem for a later date.
“We’re just excited about getting him back into our lineup. I think that’s a bridge we’ll cross once we get there,” Staios said. “We just want to get him back to full health.”
Additionally, Staios said that wingers David Perron (back) and Michael Amadio (concussion) are also progressing in their recovery, but are still unable to return. The duo were both practicing in non-contact jerseys on Friday.
Perron hasn’t suited up since late November due to a nagging back injury, while Amadio has missed eight games since he was injured in Vancouver on Dec. 21.