Victor Hedman Opens Up About Personal Leave for Mental Health

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman has taken a bold step in addressing the importance of mental health, revealing that his recent absence from the ice was a necessary decision to prioritize his well-being. In a statement released by the Lightning, Hedman shared that he had not participated in the final weeks of the season, missing the last 22 games, including seven playoff matchups against the Montreal Canadiens.

While Hedman was present around the team and participated in some practice sessions, his last game was in mid-March. The 35-year-old defenseman explained, “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.” He emphasized the duality of leadership, noting that sometimes, doing what is best for the team also means taking care of oneself.

Hedman, who was selected second overall in the 2009 NHL Draft, has spent his entire 17-season career with the Lightning, contributing to the franchise’s back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021. He was also honored with the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP during the 2020 “bubble” playoffs. This season, however, was particularly challenging for him, as he played in only 33 games—the fewest in his career—partly due to his absence and also due to injuries that limited him significantly earlier in the season.

In reflecting on his journey, Hedman expressed gratitude towards his teammates, the organization, his family, and his therapist for their unwavering support. He stated, “I’m in a much better place today.” He hopes that by sharing his experience, he can help others in the sport recognize the importance of mental health and feel empowered to seek help when needed. “This is something that exists in our game more than people see,” he said. “If this moment helps make it easier for others to take care of themselves when they need to, that matters.”

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.