Tampa Bay Lightning’s captain, Victor Hedman, disclosed on Tuesday that his recent absence from the team was due to prioritizing his mental well-being. Hedman, in a statement issued by the Lightning, did not delve into specifics regarding his challenges. He sat out the final 22 games of the season, including the seven playoff matches against the Montreal Canadiens.
Despite being present with the team in recent weeks and participating in some practices, Hedman’s last game was back in mid-March. “Over the past few months, I opted to take a break and concentrate on my mental health,” Hedman stated. He emphasized the difficulty of his decision but emphasized its necessity, asserting, “I’ve always believed that true leadership entails making decisions that benefit the team. In this instance, it also meant prioritizing self-care to ensure I can perform at my peak as a player, teammate, husband, and father.”
A veteran Swedish defenseman aged 35, Hedman, drafted second overall in 2009, has been a stalwart with the Lightning throughout his 17 NHL seasons. His contributions were pivotal in securing consecutive Stanley Cup victories for the franchise in 2020 and 2021, with him earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP during the 2020 pandemic “bubble.”
This season, he played in only 33 games, a stark deviation from his usual performance. His limited appearances were a result of both his absence and injuries that restricted him to just three games between November 8 and February 1. Additionally, he represented Sweden at the Milan Cortina Olympics.
Expressing gratitude, Hedman extended thanks to his teammates, the Lightning organization, his family, and his therapist for their unwavering support. He reassured that he is currently in a much better state. “Mental health challenges are prevalent in our sport, often unseen by many,” Hedman remarked. “If my experience encourages others to prioritize self-care when needed, then it holds significance.”
