Trending Now - Victor Hedman Shares Mental Health Journey After Playoff Exit

WHO:

Fox News - Victor Hedman, captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning

NY Post - Victor Hedman, 35 years old

WHAT:

US Magazine - Victor Hedman stated, “I’ve spent most of my life in this game, and nearly all of my career with this organization,” regarding his absence to focus on mental health.

Fox News - Victor Hedman revealed his absence in the playoffs was to address his mental health, stating it was the "right decision."

NY Post - Hedman last played on March 19 and did not participate in the Lightning's 4-3 first-round loss to the Canadiens.

WHERE:

Sportskeeda - Tampa Bay Lightning, NHL

WHEN:

NY Post - Hedman last played on March 19.

WHY:

Fox News - Hedman took time off to address his mental health.

HOW:

Tampa Bay Times - Hedman left the Lightning to attend to his mental health.

(UPDATED May 5, 2026 23:16 UTC)

Victor Hedman has announced that he will be stepping away from the game to focus on his mental health, expressing his deep connection to the sport and his long tenure with the organization. In a statement, he said, “I’ve spent most of my life in this game, and nearly all of my career with this organization.” This decision highlights the importance of mental well-being in professional sports.

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(UPDATED May 5, 2026 17:30 UTC)

Victor Hedman, the captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning, has revealed that his absence from the playoffs was a decision made to prioritize his mental health, which he described as the "right decision." The thirty-five-year-old defenseman last played on March 19 and did not participate in the Lightning's first-round loss to the Canadiens, which ended with a score of four to three. Hedman took time off from the team to focus on his well-being, highlighting the importance of mental health in sports.