Linus Ullmark Speaks Out: A Stark Reminder of the Human Side of Pro Sports
When Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark stepped away from the team on December 28 for personal reasons, the hockey world should’ve responded with quiet support and patience. Instead, it turned into a storm of speculation and online rumors-one that quickly crossed the line from curiosity into harmful, baseless gossip.
What followed wasn’t just a moment of media overreach-it was a glaring example of how professional athletes are often denied the basic privacy and empathy most of us take for granted.
A Rumor-Fueled Firestorm
Within a day of Ullmark’s leave being announced, a false and damaging rumor spread online, accusing the veteran netminder of being involved in an extramarital affair. The claim came from an anonymous X (formerly Twitter) account, and despite having no credibility, it gained traction quickly. The Senators swiftly issued a statement denying the rumor, but by then, the damage had already been done.
Ullmark, a respected figure in NHL circles and known for his calm demeanor and professionalism, had been thrust into a spotlight no athlete asks for-one rooted not in performance or on-ice decisions, but in personal, fabricated drama.
Ullmark Breaks His Silence
On Tuesday, Ullmark sat down with TSN’s Claire Hanna for an emotional interview-one that pulled back the curtain on what it’s really like to be a professional athlete dealing with mental health in the public eye.
“People wonder why hockey players - professional athletes - are not talking,” Ullmark said. “Why we’re not showing any sort of emotions. Why mental health in men and women is a stigma.”
He went on to describe the moment he learned about the rumors, days after they had already spread. His voice filled with frustration and disbelief, Ullmark shared how the whispers affected not just him, but his family-his wife, his kids, people who had nothing to do with the game but were suddenly caught in the crossfire.
“They get sent text messages asking, ‘Hey, are you guys good?’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, why?’ And then they tell you about it - the rumors - and you’re like, ‘What the f*** is wrong with people?’”
This wasn’t a player lashing out. This was a human being drawing a line. And his message was clear: if we want honesty and vulnerability from athletes, we need to create a space where that’s even remotely possible.
The NHLPA Steps In
NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh, who has known Ullmark since his time with the Boston Bruins, didn’t mince words when addressing the situation. In a recent interview, Walsh emphasized the need for boundaries-not just from the media, but from influencers and fans who too often blur the line between curiosity and invasion.
“I think people should recognize that mental health is an issue for a third of the population in the world,” Walsh said. “With all due respect, the press and influencers should stay away from it… If a player goes into the [NHL/NHLPA] Player Assistance Program, a player has an issue, a person has an issue… You need to give it space.”
Walsh’s point was simple: if someone in your life was going through something deeply personal-whether it’s grief, mental health struggles, or family matters-would you want their name dragged through the mud in public forums? Would you want strangers speculating about their character or inventing stories to fill the silence?
“When people take a leave for personal reasons, they’re personal,” Walsh said. “That means they’re personal. It could be a family issue, it could be the birth of a child, it could be the death of a parent… Just take a minute and look in the mirror.”
A Call for Empathy in the Hockey World
This situation with Ullmark isn’t just about one player. It’s about the culture around professional sports-where athletes are often expected to perform at elite levels while silently managing the same challenges the rest of us face. And when they do step away to take care of themselves, they’re met with speculation instead of support.
Ullmark’s courage in speaking out is a reminder that behind every mask and jersey is a person-one with a family, with emotions, with a life that extends far beyond the rink. The hope now is that his words spark a broader conversation about how we treat athletes when the cameras are off and the headlines fade.
Because if we truly want a sports world where players feel safe to be open about their mental health, it starts with listening-and more importantly, respecting their silence when they ask for space.