After sitting out his team’s final 22 games of the regular season and their entire first-round playoff series, Tampa Bay captain Victor Hedman has broken his silence.
The long-time Lightning defenceman says that his absence was caused by a need to address his mental health.
Hedman issued a statement on Tuesday, days after his Bolts were eliminated by the Montreal Canadiens in seven games of their Eastern Conference playoff series.
“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.”
Hedman had missed significant time earlier in the season with an elbow injury that required surgery, but returned in time to play for Sweden in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. However, he suffered another injury during a pre-game warmup at the tournament and missed further action.
How long was Hedman out for?
The second-overall pick in the 2009 NHL draft had been around the Bolts in recent week and took part in some skates, but hadn’t suited up for game action since mid-March.
“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 in his statement.
During his team’s exit interviews, he also said that he had leaned on former Tampa teammate Steven Stamkos and Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark – a fellow countryman and who also spent time away from his team to address his mental health this year.
“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.
“I’m proud of this team and I look forward to what’s ahead.”
What’s next for Hedman?
The 33 total games that Hedman played in 2025-26 were his fewest in a season over his 17-year career. He had just one goal and 16 assists while averaging 18:52 minutes of ice time per game, the lowest mark of his career.
He still has two years remaining on a four-year, US$32-million extension with an AAV of $8 million.
The big Swede has earned an estimated $95.6 million over the course of his career, which has seen him win two Stanley Cups, one Norris Trophy and one Conn Smythe, while also being named to seven all-star teams.
Over the course of his 1,164-game career, Hedman has scored 172 goals and had 639 assists for 811 points and is a +192.