TAMPA Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman will be absent indefinitely from all NHL action due to ‘personal reasons’.
The legendary Swedish defenseman is in his 17th NHL season of his career, all spent with Tampa Bay.
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Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman is taking a temporary leave of absenceCredit: Getty
The 2018 James Norris Memorial Trophy winner recently played in the 2026 Winter OlympicsCredit: Getty
He recently played at the 2026 Winter Olympics in February for Team Sweden, in which they reached the quarter-finals.
Hedman was unfortunately forced to miss their quarter-final exit to Team USA due to a groin injury as they were beaten in overtime.
The 35-year-old hockey icon has missed the Lightning’s past three games due to illness, having suited up for the first 12 after the Olympic break.
It is unclear whether Hedman’s illness ties in with his temporary leave of absence from the sport.
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The Lightning’s statement read, “The Tampa Bay Lightning announced today that defenseman Victor Hedman will be taking a temporary leave of absence from the team for personal reasons.
“No further details will be shared, and the team asks that his privacy be respected at this time.”
There was an outpouring of support for Hedman in response to the announcement by the team on social media.
“Nothing but love and respect for our captain,” one wrote.
“Take all of the time you need, Heddy. Bolts Nation’s got you,” another commented.
Lightning fan page Bolts Breakdown wrote, “Captain Hedman, We love you.
“You have been a great leader & we wish you well in whatever is going on. Bolts Nation is here to support you however we can.”
The two-time Stanley Cup winner in 2020 and 2021 is first in Lightning history among defensemen in games (1,164), goals (172), assists (639) and points (811).
During their playoff run in 2020, Hedman was handed the Conn Smythe Trophy as the MVP of the series.
He also won the 2018 James Norris Memorial Trophy as the best defenseman in the NHL that year.
The likely playoff-bound Lightning currently sit second in the Atlantic Division with a 44-21-5 record.
They’re three points behind the Buffalo Sabres with two games in hand and face the Seattle Kraken on Thursday.