When the Tampa Bay Lightning hit the ice for opening night of the 2026-27 season, they can expect their captain and star defenseman, Victor Hedman, to be back in action. The 35-year-old defenseman was brave enough to admit he wasn’t OK midway through last season. Already dealing with physical injuries, he chose to step away from the team to address his mental health.
“For me, it was not really feeling low, but it was performance anxiety, kind of feeling that pressure in your chest as soon as a gameday would hit,” Hedman said in an interview with NHL.com on Tuesday. “It kind of locks you up. You make a mistake, and in the past you’d be able to shake it off, but I couldn’t do that. And I wasn’t feeling 100% physically.”
He was limited to just 33 games last season, scoring 17 points. There was a chance he would return for Round 2 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, but the Lightning were eliminated by the Montreal Canadiens in seven games in Round 1, so it wasn’t meant to be.
This season, he’ll have the chance to prove that chapter is behind him and he’s firing on all cylinders. In the same NHL.com piece, Hedman said he was in a much better place. He knows he might not hit the ground running, but he’s ready to get back out there.
“For me, it’s just feeling healthy and feeling like my body is where I want it to be,” Hedman said. “You’re on the ice every day, you’re in the gym and you feel good, and that makes, obviously, the mental part easier too when you feel you can perform in your job to the fullest extent. I’m sure it’s going to take me a few games to get back into the rhythm of playing in the League since I haven’t played in a long time, but I’m super fresh, hungry and super motivated to go out there and play my best hockey.”
What a Fresh, Healthy Hedman Means for Lightning
Above all, the Lightning are getting their leader back. He wears the C for a reason, and he’s proven that his presence elevates the team. In a way, his absence was still an act of responsible leadership; leading by example in how he takes care of his mind and body, too. When you need help, it’s crucial to seek help. Hopefully, others will feel encouraged to do the same after seeing Hedman take the time he needed.
Of course, there’s excitement for what he’ll bring back to the ice. He’s a future Hall of Famer. Before 2025-26, he received Norris Trophy votes in 10 straight seasons, including a win in 2017-18 and a finalist in six consecutive years. As recently as 2024-25, he was a top-five vote-getter.
Since the 2021-22 season, Hedman has had at least 66 points and double-digit-goal seasons three times. He brings significant offense to the table. Even with the addition of defenseman John Carlson, Hedman will be key to helping replace some scoring depth. Darren Raddysh and Nick Paul are now with the Toronto Maple Leafs. A healthy Hedman is more than capable of covering those departures.
He’s back, determined to show what he can do, plus he’ll return fresh after time away. It wouldn’t be surprising if we see one of his better seasons, even at age 36.
Resources for treating mental health can be found on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website here. The CDC also has links to resources that can be found here.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, confidential, free, 24/7/365 help is available.
- Call or text 988
- Chat at 988lifeline.org
- TTY users can use their preferred relay service or dial 711, then 988
Note: The 988 line automatically routes calls by your phone’s area code to the nearest crisis center.
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