Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (77) warms up before an NHL hockey game against the New York Islanders (Image via AP Photo/Chris O’Meara) Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper recently confirmed on Saturday that defenseman Victor Hedman will return and appear against the Boston Bruins after a long hiatus due to his injury. The captain of the team is expected to return to the lineup against the Boston Bruins in the NHL Stadium Series on Sunday, the team confirmed. According to TSN, Jon Hedman has not played since December 9, after undergoing elbow surgery. Besides, he was away from the team for nearly a month earlier in the season due to a separate injury, returned for three games, and then underwent surgery.His return to the team will surely provide a major boost, as Headman is considered one of the marquee players of the Lightning team and had 12 assists in 18 games this season, clearly highlighting the importance of his presence in the team.
Victor Headman to return against the Bruins in the NHL Stadium Series following elbow surgery
To bolster the overall strength of the Tampa Bay Lightning club, defenseman Victor Headman is all set to return after his injury, as the club prepares to lock horns with the Boston Bruins in the NHL Stadium Series on Sunday. Earlier reports suggest that the captain was kept on injured reserve as he sustained a major injury while playing against the New Jersey Devils. This injury also questioned his availability in the upcoming Winter Olympic Games 2026. However, it has been confirmed by the club that he is going to appear on Sunday at the Raymond James Stadium.
Victor Hedman 1,000th Game Tribute
Speaking about his return to the team, Jon Cooper stated, “Purposely didn’t speak with him beforehand, but I think you saw what happened at the end of practice. So barring him coming in saying no, which I think is extremely doubtful, he’ll most likely be in tomorrow.” Besides this, Hedman will represent Team Sweden at the Olympics for the first time in Milan in February. It is to be noted that the blueliner was one of the first six players named who were selected to the roster. The reason behind Sweden opting for Victor Hedman is related to his past victories, as he previously led Sweden to win gold at the 2017 IIHF World Championships and also represented his country at the U18s, World Juniors, World Cup of Hockey, and 4 Nations Face-off.Apart from this, according to the NHL, Hedman became the first Lightning defenseman to play 1,000 games in the league in 23:55 of ice time in a 4-0 win against the Dallas Stars at Amalie Arena on Dec. 4, 2023. Moreover, he was also the third player in team history to reach the milestone, joining star NHL players like Vincent Lecavalier (1,037) and Steven Stamkos (1,027).