Lightning's Victor Hedman Makes Announcement After 17th NHL Season
The Tampa Bay Lightning finished their 2025-26 season with a Game 7 loss to the Montreal Canadiens, falling in the first round of the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year.
Tampa Bay had to play without its locker room leader for the home stretch of the regular season and the postseason, as Lightning captain Victor Hedman last appeared in a game on Mar. 19.
Right after that, Hedman decided to step away from the team, having played 33 games up to that point, scoring one goal and providing 16 assists.
Hedman was initially listed out for personal reasons when he took a leave of absence on March 25. The captain returned to practice during the first-round series but did not appear in any playoff games as Tampa Bay was eliminated. On Tuesday, Hedman provided clarity on his absence, confirming the reasons behind it.
"Over the past couple of months, I made the decision to step away and focus on my mental health," Hedman said. "It was not an easy decision, but it was the right one. I've always believed that being a leader means doing what's best for the team.
"In this case, it also meant doing what was necessary to take care of myself, so I can be the best player, teammate, husband and father I expect to be."
The 35-year-old defenseman said he had support during his time away and acknowledged that his situation has improved since he left the team.
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) May 5, 2026
"I've been fortunate to have strong support from my family, my teammates and the organization, my therapist and I'm in a much better place today," Hedman said.
Hedman also referenced the broader impact of his decision and how it's not talked about enough in NHL circles.
"This is something that exists in our game more than people see," Hedman said. "If this moment helps make it easier for others to take care of themselves when they need to, that matters."
Hedman has appeared in 1,164 career NHL games, all with Tampa Bay, recording 811 points throughout his 17-year career. He's added 120 postseason points to that tally and won back-to-back championships in 2020 and 2021.
"I'm proud of this team, and I look forward to what's ahead," Hedman finished.
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This story was originally published May 5, 2026 at 7:24 AM.