Victor Hedman Takes Temporary Leave from Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman is taking a temporary leave of absence for personal reasons, the team announced Wednesday, March 25, 2026. The Lightning have requested privacy for Hedman and will not be releasing further details.
Recent Performance and Injury History
The 35-year-old defenseman has faced challenges this season, limited to 33 games due to injury. He last played on March 19, 2026, in a 6-2 win against the Vancouver Canucks, leaving the game during the first period with an illness. Prior to this, Hedman underwent elbow surgery in December, causing him to miss 22 games, and also experienced an undisclosed injury in November.
Hedman also represented Sweden at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, recording a goal and two points in five games. He sustained a lower-body injury during warmups for a quarterfinal match against Team USA, but recovered in time for the Lightning’s resumption of play.
Impact on the Lightning
Hedman has registered one goal and 17 points in 33 games this season, averaging 18:52 of ice time. The Lightning (44-21-5) currently hold second place in the Atlantic Division, two points behind the Buffalo Sabres, with one game in hand. They are scheduled to host the Seattle Kraken on Thursday.
Career Achievements
A cornerstone of the Lightning franchise, Hedman has played 1,164 career games, all with Tampa Bay, amassing 172 goals, 639 assists, and 811 points. He was instrumental in the Lightning’s back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2020. He also won the Norris Trophy in 2018 as the league’s top defenseman.
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