Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman revealed on Tuesday that his recent leave of absence from the team was to prioritize his mental health, according to a statement released by the organization and confirmed by Pierre LeBrun of TSN.
The veteran defenseman, a cornerstone of the Lightning franchise for 17 seasons, had been sidelined since March 19. His absence included the entirety of Tampa Bay's first-round playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens, which concluded with a Game 7 loss on Sunday. Hedman expressed that while the decision to step away was difficult, it was necessary to ensure he could be the best version of himself for his team and his family.
In his statement, Hedman acknowledged that mental health challenges exist within the game more than is often visible. He thanked his family, teammates, and therapist for their support throughout the process, stating he feels he is in a "much better place today." The 35-year-old Swede was limited to just 33 games during the 2025-26 regular season due to various injuries and his eventual personal leave.
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