Quick Read
- Victor Hedman missed the final 15 games of the season and the first round of the playoffs to address his mental health.
- The defenseman, who has played his entire 17-year career with Tampa Bay, confirmed he is now in a better place and expects to return next season.
- General manager Julien BriseBois publicly praised Hedman’s courage in prioritizing his well-being over his professional duties.
TAMPA (Azat TV) – Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman confirmed on Tuesday that he stepped away from the team during the final stretch of the 2025-26 NHL season to focus on his mental health. The 35-year-old defenseman missed the final 15 regular-season games and the entirety of the team’s first-round playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens, ending months of speculation regarding his sudden leave of absence.
Prioritizing personal well-being amidst a challenging season
Hedman, who has anchored the Lightning defensive core for 17 years, reached a breaking point on March 19 during a game against the Vancouver Canucks. After leaving the ice in the first period, he decided that professional responsibilities could no longer take precedence over his personal health. According to NHL.com, Hedman described the decision as difficult but necessary, emphasizing that he sought professional help to navigate a struggle he had been managing for an extended period.
Impact on the Lightning roster and leadership
The absence of the team captain created a significant void for a Lightning squad that has now faced four consecutive first-round playoff exits. General manager Julien BriseBois expressed support for his captain, noting that Hedman’s decision required immense courage. The veteran defender, who is under contract through the 2028-2029 season, finished a physically taxing year—marred by an elbow procedure and various injuries—with 17 points in 33 games.
Advocating for mental health in professional sports
Hedman is using his platform to encourage other athletes to seek support, noting that his own recovery was aided by a therapist who focused on his identity outside of hockey. By sharing his journey, he hopes to destigmatize mental health challenges within the sport. The New York Post reports that Hedman is now in a much better place and is expected to return to the Lightning lineup for the upcoming season with the full support of his teammates and organization.
Hedman’s transparency marks a notable shift in the professional sports landscape, where the traditional culture of physical toughness is increasingly being balanced with proactive mental healthcare. His return to the ice next season will serve as a high-profile test of whether such interventions can successfully prolong the careers of aging elite athletes while setting a new standard for organizational support.