Ottawa Senators slam 'ridiculous speculation' about goalie Linus Ullmark

The Ottawa Senators are taking aim at "completely fabricated and false stories" by "trolls and sick people" about goaltender Linus Ullmark and his leave of absence.

Ullmark, 32, has been on leave since the end of December. The team said on Dec. 28 it was for personal reasons and the Swedish veteran had the organization's full support.

It did not share specifics, nor did it again when it took the unusual step of issuing a strongly worded statement about unspecified online rumours Thursday night ahead of a loss in Colorado.

"Our organization was extremely disappointed to read the completely fabricated and false stories that are spreading around social media about our hockey club," said the statement, attributed to general manager and president of hockey operations Steve Staios.

"We asked that people respect his privacy, but clearly that request was not heard by the lowest forms of trolls and sick people who scour the internet," it goes on to say.

"We are disgusted that outside forces are attempting to disrupt our hockey club. This statement will put an end to the ridiculous speculation that has spread online."

Senators players including captain Brady Tkachuk had also supported Ullmark the day after the team's announcement.

The team has not shared a timeline for his return.