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The absence of Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman in the final stretch of the regular season and during the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs was to address his mental health, he revealed in a statement on Tuesday.
Hedman, who also missed a significant amount of time this season due to injury, addressed the situation in a statement shared by the team.
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman celebrates with the bench after scoring against the Buffalo Sabers during the third period of an NHL game in Tampa, Florida, on Feb. 28, 2026. (Chris O’Meara/AP)
“I have spent most of my life in this game, and almost my entire career with this organization. Wearing this jersey – and serving as captain – is the greatest responsibility of my professional life,” his statement began.
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“That responsibility doesn’t just apply on the ice. Over the past few months, I made the decision to step away and focus on my mental health. It wasn’t 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 I needed to take care of myself, so I could be the best player, teammate, husband and father I hope to be.”
Hedman expanded on his statement during his exit interview with the media on Tuesday, adding that he feels “a lot better” and that it was the “right decision” for him.
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman skates on the ice during warmups before a game against the Boston Bruins in the 2026 Stadium Series at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, on February 1, 2026. (Kim Klement Neitzel/Imagn Images)
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“This is something that exists in our game more than what people see. If this moment helps make it easier for others to take care of themselves when they need it, that matters,” he said Tuesday. “I’m proud of this team and I look forward to what’s next.”
Hedman, who spent his entire 17-year NHL career with the Lightning, missed most of the season with an elbow injury that required surgery in December. He returned in time for the Olympic break, where he played for Sweden, before being sidelined again before the quarterfinal match against Team USA.
After playing in just 33 games this season, Hedman said he hoped to return next year.
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman handles the puck during the second period against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan on October 17, 2025. (Brian Bradshaw Sevald/Imagn Images)
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Tampa Bay was eliminated from the playoffs after suffering a 2-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens in Game 7 on Sunday. The loss marked the organization’s fourth consecutive first-round exit.
