Victor Hedman Temporarily Steps Away from the Lightning for Personal Reasons
TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman has requested a temporary leave of absence for personal reasons, the team announced Wednesday.
The Lightning did not provide additional details and requested that Hedman’s privacy be respected.
The Swedish defenseman is in his 17th season in the NHL, all with Tampa Bay. During his career, he has achieved two consecutive Stanley Cup titles in 2020 and 2021, as well as two other appearances in the final. He was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player of the playoffs in the 2020 season.
Hedman, 35, was absent in November, December, and January due to an injury and subsequent elbow surgery to repair it.
He returned in early February and represented his country at this year’s Milan Cortina Olympics. Hedman has one goal and 16 assists, averaging almost 19 minutes of playing time in 33 games with the Lightning, who are heading for the playoffs.
