Victor Hedman Taking Leave of Absence From Lightning

Tampa Bay Lightning defenceman Victor Hedman

The Tampa Bay Lightning's push to try to get back to first place in the Atlantic Division has taken a major hit, as they've announced that defenseman Victor Hedman is taking a "temporary leave of absence from the team for personal reasons."

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced today that defenseman Victor Hedman will be taking a temporary leave of absence from the team for personal reasons.

No further details will be shared, and the team asks that his privacy be respected at this time.
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) March 25, 2026

Whether the term "temporary" means short-lived or not, remains to be seen.

There are no further details released at this time.

Hedman has missed the Bolts' last three games, and left the bench after taking just six shifts in his last contest, almost a week ago, on March 19.

Head coach Jon Cooper was asked before Tuesday's game why Hedman was missing his third straight game, and replied, “He’s just not playing (Tuesday), but we’ll see after that.”

Hedman has been listed os having an 'illness', but is now taking leave of absence

The 6'7", 244-pound blueliner had been listed on the team’s injury report as missing time with an "illness", and Cooper had said after his last game last week that the d-man "wasn't feeling well."

It's been a rough season all around for the former Norris Trophy winner, as he's played just 33 games, has been riddled by injuries, and missed 34 of 37 games between Nov. 12 and Jan. 29.

He missed time with an elbow injury that eventually required surgery.

Since the Olympic Break, Hedman, who has normally logged well over 23 minutes a night of ice time over his career, has averaged just 17:30 TOI per game in the dozen games he's played.

The veteran d-man signed a four-year, $32 million extension ($8M AAV) in the summer of 2024, and is in the first season of that contract. He's in his 17th NHL season.