Tampa Bay Lightning superstar Victor Hedman broke his silence about his sudden absence from the team, which began in mid-March.
“I’ve spent most of my life in this game, and nearly all of my career with this organization,” Hedman, 35, said in a statement on Tuesday, May 5. “Wearing this jersey — and serving as captain — is the greatest responsibility of my professional life. That responsibility doesn’t only apply on the ice. Over the past couple of months, I made the decision to step away and focus on my mental health.”
He added, “It was not an easy decision, but it was the right one.”
Hedman last appeared in a game on March 19, officially taking a leave of absence from the team on March 25.
“I’ve always believed that being a leader means doing what’s best for the team,” Hedman continued. “In this case, it also meant doing what was necessary to take care of myself, so I can be the best player, teammate, husband and father I expect to be.”
Hedman has been married to his wife, Sanna Grundberg, since 2017 and the couple share sons Rio, 5, and Viggo, 3.
“I’ve been fortunate to have strong support from my family, my teammates and the organization, my therapist and I’m in a much better place today,” Hedman said. “This is something that exists in our game more than people see. If this moment helps make it easier for others to take care of themselves when they need to, that matters.”
He concluded, “I’m proud of this team, and I look forward to what’s ahead.”
Hedman practiced with the Lightning on Friday, May 1, ahead of Game 6 of the team’s first round playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens. Before Game 6, Lightning coach Jon Cooper said Hedman was “going to be an option really soon.”
Tampa Bay won Game 6, but ultimately lost Game 7 to Montreal on Sunday, May 3, ending their season.
Hedman spoke to reporters on Tuesday and elaborated on his decision to step away from the team.
“It was obviously a thing that had been going on for a long time, and trying to work through it and find ways to get around it, but I wasn’t able to do that, so that’s where the decision came that I needed to take some time and find myself again,” he explained.
Hedman said it was “tough timing” with Tampa’s season ending shortly after he returned to the ice, but he expressed optimism about the future.
“I had one full practice with the team,” he said. “I was there mentally and physically, so that’s a really good sign. I am super excited about next year and to get back at it.”
