Overview
- Victor Hedman, in a statement shared Tuesday by the Lightning, said he stepped away to focus on his mental health.
- Hedman missed the final 22 games of Tampa Bay’s season, including all seven in the first-round loss to the Canadiens.
- He practiced with the team during the series but was not cleared to play.
- He said he is in a much better place, thanked his family, teammates, the organization and his therapist, and urged others to seek help.
- He played a career-low 33 games after elbow surgery and an Olympic setback, and he expressed optimism about returning next season.