Senators Blue Line Battles & Ullmark’s Words Stir Debate

As the Ottawa Senators move deeper into the 2025–26 season, a few small storms are brewing—both on the ice and in the dressing room. One of the liveliest debates right now centers on who should be the odd man out on the right side of the blue line.

Senators’ Right-Side Blue Liner Race Tightens

The battle for the “healthy scratch” spot has become a genuine three-horse race between Nick Jensen, Nikolas Matinpalo, and Jordan Spence. Early-season performance suggests Jensen might be trailing slightly behind his younger counterparts. That’s no small thing—he’s a respected veteran who was a stabilizing presence last season, particularly when paired with Thomas Chabot.

Still, there’s a sense that Matinpalo and Spence have been bringing more pace and consistency to their games. Jensen’s hip resurfacing surgery last year can’t be overlooked; it’s not an easy comeback, and the wear shows. But does he deserve the benefit of the doubt? After all, the Senators did lose some trade value when they acquired him in the Chychrun deal, and he’s long been known as a quietly reliable pro.

It’s not an easy decision for Ottawa’s coaching staff, and it reflects a larger organizational question: do you prioritize experience, or do you trust performance in the moment?

Ullmark’s Frustration—Or Focus?

Meanwhile, goaltender Linus Ullmark made waves this week with a blunt comment: he “doesn’t give two craps about what the experts think” regarding his rough start. That line drew strong reactions—some fans and analysts felt he should be more accountable; others saw it as a goalie simply refusing to get bogged down in outside noise.

The truth probably lies somewhere in between. Ullmark knows he’s struggled, and he’s also right that stats alone don’t tell the full story—especially when breakaways and defensive miscues have hung him out to dry more than once. Still, his tone rubbed some the wrong way, and in a hockey-mad market like Ottawa, perception can shape patience.

The Takeaway for the Senators?

Between a crowded blue line and a goaltender under the microscope, the Senators sit at a crossroads. They’re 6-5-3, very much in the mix. However, they are still searching for a consistent identity. If they can find the right balance—between patience and performance—they might steady the ship. But if not, the noise around both the crease and the defence corps will only get louder.