Victor Hedman, the Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman, will undergo elbow surgery on Monday. He aims to be back in time to represent Sweden at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in February.
Recently, Hedman was placed on injured reserve due to an undisclosed issue. He got hurt during a 6-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens, marking just his third game back after a prior absence of 12 games due to another injury.
Before the Lightning’s 8-4 win against the New Jersey Devils, coach Jon Cooper mentioned that Hedman sought second opinions about his injury. As he nears his 35th birthday, Hedman remains a key player. He has contributed 12 assists in 18 games this season and is one of six players on Sweden’s preliminary Olympic roster.
Cooper noted, “A rested player is an effective player. Hedman isn’t 22 anymore, but he keeps himself in great shape. The mental side of sitting out for six weeks is tough, though. His body is ready; it’s the mind we need to watch.”
Drafted second overall by Tampa Bay in 2009, Hedman has impressive stats. He has tallied 806 points (171 goals, 635 assists) over 1,149 regular-season games and 120 points (23 goals, 97 assists) in 170 playoff games. His accolades include the 2017-18 Norris Trophy for the best defenseman, two Stanley Cup titles in 2020 and 2021, and the 2020 Conn Smythe Trophy, recognizing him as the postseason’s most valuable player.
Historically, Hedman holds several Lightning records. He leads in games played and ranks first among defensemen in goals, assists, and points.
Meanwhile, goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy could return soon after missing the last five games due to an undisclosed injury. He practiced on Friday, and the team hopes to see him back when they face the Florida Panthers on Monday. Vasilevskiy last played on December 2, boasting an 11-6-2 record this season.
In the fast-paced world of the NHL, injuries are common, and teams must adapt quickly. Coaches and players often share insights on managing both physical and mental aspects of recovery. The Lightning strive to stay competitive, leaning on experienced players like Hedman and Vasilevskiy to maintain their edge as they aim for another championship run.
For more detailed information on player injuries and recovery strategies in sports, check this report from NHL.com.
