It has been 41 days since Ullmark left the net with soreness in his back after the first period of a 3-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Dec. 22 at Rogers Place Arena in the Alberta capital, but he’s been inching closer to a return and the hope is that he’ll be ready to face the Wild.

The Bruins might benefit from a rising salary cap, but Boston knows full well of the dangers that come from building through free agency.

Ullmark's next chance to suit up will be at home against Minnesota on Saturday.

Travis Green wore his best poker face after the club’s skate on Wednesday at the Canadian Tire Centre. Cagey would be the best word to describe the back-and-forth reporters had with Green after goaltender Linus Ullmark participated fully in the 40-minute skate in preparation for Thursday’s visit by Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals.

Utah, which hosts the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday (9 p.m. ET; FDSNOH, Utah16),is also without forward Dylan Guenther, who was placed on injured reserve on Jan. 8 with a lower-body injury. He is day to day. -- Matt Komma

Team Sweden has announced Philadelphia Flyers goalie Sam Ersson as a late addition to their lineup for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off. With Jacob Markstrom of

Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark has been sidelined for over a month with a back injury. He left a game against the Edmonton Oilers on Dec. 22 and has been out of action ever since.

Jeremy Swayman hasn't been at his best in 2024/25 without Linus Ullmark, and now, it appears that some in the media are calling for the team to move him.

Poised to return soon

Keep updated on all the injury news and roster updates from around the NHL with daily Ice Chips. Goaltender Linus Ullmark was a full participant at this morning's skate and taking first team repetitions as he continues to work his way back from a back injury.

Boston Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman highlighted his close friendship with Linus Ullmark with a special reaction to a social media post.

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo withdrew from the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off in what is supposed to be the NHL’s return to international play.