Rumor: Senators rocked by allegations of cheating amongst teammates and their wives

The Ottawa Senators have fallen off a cliff this season and a hot rumor circulating on social media today may explain why the team has struggled so mightily the past month.

First: Some context.

Goaltender Linus Ullmark left the team just after Christmas, going on a personal leave of absence on December 28th. While he's not currently on the roster, his full $8.25 million salary is still on the Sens' books. The team hasn't given an official reason for his absence, simply stating that he has left the team for an indefinite period due to "personal reasons".

Today, the Sens officially moved Ullmark to a "non-roster spot" to make room for the formerly injured Lars Eller.

So... with Ullmark off the roster and with no official reason given for his absence, you can only imagine the rumors that are being spun amongst the team's fanbase.

Today, there are unsubstantiated rumors circling social media that Ullmark was unfaithful to wife Moa Wikman and that the situation is causing a rift between him and his teammates.

In particular, an unverified Twitter user known as Fred Nolan (FredNolanSens) is claiming that Ullmark shared details about other players on the Sens who have also been unfaithful and that his wife has now informed those players' wives/girlfriends of the infidelity(s). This, as you can imagine, has put everyone in a bit of a predicament.

From this account known as Fred Nolan:

Hoo boy... is this the Ottawa Senators or a re-run of Days of Our Lives?

In all seriousness, it's important to note that this 'Fred Nolan' account is unverified and that no other reputable sources seem to be reporting on this rumor. So either there's little or no merit to this rumor or it's so salacious that the likes of Elliotte Friedman, Darren Dreger, Chris Johnston and other NHL insiders don't want to touch it.

One thing's for sure though: The circumstances around this team and Ullmark's leave are awfully suspicious and rumors like this are likely to continue until things are cleared up for their fanbase.

Stay tuned.