Lightning captain Victor Hedman taking leave of absence

Field Level Media|published: Wed 25th March, 16:43 2026

Feb 26, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (77) looks on during the warmups before the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman is taking a temporary leave of absence for personal reasons, the team announced on Wednesday.

Hedman, a defenseman, logged just 4:44 of ice time before exiting Tampa Bay's 6-2 victory versus the Vancouver Canucks last Thursday due to an illness. He has sat out the last three games for the Lightning (44-21-5, 93 points), who host the Seattle Kraken on Thursday.

"No further details will be shared, and the team asks that his privacy be respected at this time," the organization said in a statement while announcing Hedman's leave.

Hedman, 35, has recorded 17 points (one goal, 16 assists) in 33 games this season. He has endured extended absences due to an undisclosed injury in November and elbow surgery in December.

Hedman is a 2017-18 Norris Trophy winner for the best defenseman in the league, a two-time Stanley Cup champion (2020, 2021) and the 2020 Conn Smythe Trophy recipient as the playoff MVP.

He has totaled 811 career points (172 goals, 639 assists), a plus-192 rating and 782 penalty minutes in 1,164 games since being selected by the Lightning with the second overall pick of the 2009 NHL Draft.

--Field Level Media

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