Victor Hedman opens up about personal leave of absence from Lightning's playoffs run: 'I’m in a much better place'
Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman explained why he was away from the team late in the season in a lengthy statement.
Victor Hedman opens up about personal leave of absence from Lightning's playoffs run: 'I’m in a much better place' originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman is opening up about his absence from the ice after his team's elimination.
The former Norris Trophy and Conn Smythe winner released a lengthy statement on Tuesday detailing how mental health concerns led him to step away from the team. Hedman last played on March 19, but his absence was shrouded in mystery until he opened up on Tuesday. The veteran defenseman didn't return in time to play in Tampa Bay's opening round series against the Montreal Canadiens , which the Lightning lost in seven games.
Here's what Hedman had to say about his leave of absence from the Lightning. NHL PLAYOFFS HQ: Live NHL scores | NHL playoff schedule | NHL playoff bracket Victor Hedman personal leave of absence Hedman released the following statement on Tuesday morning: pic. twitter.
com/CWmnkUbdHv — Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) May 5, 2026 "Over the past couple of months, I made the decision to step away and focus on my mental health," Hedman said. "It was not an easy decision, but it was the right one. " Hedman explained that he felt he needed to do "what was necessary" to take care of himself and "be the best player, teammate, husband and father I expect to be.