NHL Injury News: Lightning Coach Reveals Tough Update on Victor Hedman

Tampa Bay Lightning defenceman Victor Hedman

In what could be series-defining news, the Tampa Bay Lightning will likely be without top defenseman Victor Hedman for their entire first-round series with the Montreal Canadiens.

Tuesday morning, head coach Jon Cooper called Hedman "doubtful" for the rest of the series.

Jon Cooper says Hedman returning is on “the doubtful side for this series.” https://t.co/nVSdnM1fNl
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) April 21, 2026

“I wouldn’t rule anything out,” Cooper said, “but I’d say I’d put that on the doubtful side for this series.”

The veteran d-man did take part in the team's optional skate this morning, as he did before Game 1, but once again, he will not be in the lineup. And that doesn't sound like it's changing anytime soon.

Some would say this evens the playing field for this series, as the Habs will be without key d-man Noah Dobson for quite likely the entire first-round set as well.

Hedman's absence initially began on March 19

Hedman missed a huge chunk of time earlier this season after surgery on his elbow, but his latest problem is not due to that. The blueliner hasn't played since March 19, first going out with an illness, then a week later it was announced that he had taken a personal leave.

The Bolts captain's absence will continue to put added pressure on breakout star Darren Raddysh along with his top-pairing mate JJ Moser to head up the blueline. But with Ryan McDonagh and Erik Cernak as well, the Lightning still have a formidable defense corps. However, Charle-Edouard D'Astous was also ruled out for Game 2 on Tuesday night, with Declan Carlile drawing into the lineup.

Hedman, 35, finished the regular season with just one goal and 16 assists in 33 games. He had 59 points in 71 playoff games during the Lightning's three straight appearances in the Stanley Cup Finals (2020 through 2022). Overall, he has 120 points in 170 career postseason games.