Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman says he stepped away from the team this year for mental health reasons.
Hedman released a statement through Tampa’s social media Tuesday morning, saying stepping away “was not an easy decision, but it was the right one.” The veteran blueliner also said he was “in a much better place today.”
Hedman last played on March 19 and missed the entirety of the Lightning’s first-round series against the Canadiens, which Montreal won in six games. Hedman skated with the team’s scratches ahead of Game 7 on Sunday but head coach Jon Cooper confirmed before puck drop that he would not yet be returning to game action.
Here is Hedman’s full statement:
I’ve spent most of my life in this game, and nearly all of my career with this organization. Wearing this jersey – and serving as captain – is the greatest responsibility of my professional life.
That responsibility doesn’t only apply on the ice. Over the past couple of months, I made the decision to step away and focus on my mental health. 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.
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.
This is something that exists in our game more than people see. 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.
The 35-year-old blueliner had one goal and 16 assists in 33 games in 2025-26. He has spent his entire 17-year NHL career with the Bolts.