Lightning captain Victor Hedman revealed Tuesday that he left the team to address his mental health.
The stalwart defenseman, 35, last played on March 19 and did not dress during the Lightning’s seven-game first-round loss to the Canadiens, though he had rejoined the club and was participating in practices.
“I’ve spent most of my life in this game, and nearly all of my career with this organization. Wearing this jersey — and serving as captain — is the greatest responsibility of my professional life,” Hedman said in a statement released by the team.
“That responsibility doesn’t only apply on the ice. 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.
“I’ve always believed that being a leader means doing what’s best for the team. In this case, it also meant doing what was necessary to take care of myself, so I can be the best player, teammate, husband and father I expect to be.”
Hedman, who played for Sweden at the 2026 Winter Olympics, has been one of the NHL’s best players over the last 13 years, winning two Stanley Cups, the Conn Smythe in 2020 and the Norris Trophy in 2018.
He’s spent his entire 17-year NHL career with Tampa Bay, racking up 811 points in 1,164 regular-season games and 120 points in 170 postseason appearances.
“I’ve been fortunate to have strong support from my family, my teammates and the organization, my therapist and I’m in a much better place today,” Hedman said.
“This is something that exists in our game more than people see. If this moment helps make it easier for others to take care of themselves when they need to, that matters.”
Hedman, who took over as captain in 2024 after longtime Lightning star Steven Stamkos left to sign with the Predators, finished the 2025-26 season with one goal and 16 assists in 33 games.
He missed time in December and January due to elbow surgery, returning shortly before the Olympics, before missing the final 15 games of the regular season.
Hedman has three years left on his contract with an annual $8 million cap hit.
