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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.
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Victor Hedman personal leave of absence
Hedman released the following statement on Tuesday morning:
"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."
Hedman thanked his support system, including his teammates, and said he is "in a much better place today."
While Hedman didn't divulge all of the details of what led him to make the decision to step away, he said mental health issues exist in hockey "more than people see" and expressed his hopes that more players become willing to take the step he did.
Hedman missed about six weeks while on a leave of absence. The 35-year-old didn't say whether he plans to be ready for the start of the 2026-27 season, but Lightning coach Jon Cooper indicated during the playoffs that Hedman had a chance to return, so that appears to be the plan.
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Victor Hedman mental health
Hedman said mental health concerns led him to take an in-season leave of absence from the Lightning, but he didn't get into detail about the exact problems he was having.
The former Norris Trophy winner said he is aiming to be "the best player, teammate, husband and father I expect to be," so mental health troubles were evidently impacting all facets of his life before he stepped away.
Luckily, Hedman says he is doing better now. He thanked his therapist in particular and said he is "looking forward to what's ahead" for the Lightning, so it certainly sounds like he plans on getting back on the ice in Tampa Bay.
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