Victor Hedman Undergoes Elbow Surgery, Aiming for Olympic Return

Victor Hedman, captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning, is scheduled to undergo elbow surgery on Monday, December 15, 2025. The procedure is necessitated by an aggravated injury that previously sidelined him for 12 games earlier this season. Hedman is expected to be out until early February, with hopes of returning in time to represent Sweden at the Olympic Winter Games in Milan, which begin on February 11, 2026. The Lightning confirmed that Hedman sustained the injury during a recent game against the Montreal Canadiens, where he played only 6:14 before leaving the ice.

Lightning D Hedman to have elbow procedure, expected to be ready for OlympicsLightning’s Victor Hedman to have elbow surgery, expected to return before OlympicsReutersHedman to undergo elbow procedure, out until FebruaryHedman to have elbow procedure for Lightning, out until FebruaryHedman Undergoes Elbow Procedure, Benched for Lightning Until FebruaryLightning’s Victor Hedman undergoes elbow surgery, sidelining him until FebruaryESPN

Hedman, who will turn 35 shortly after the surgery, has been a pivotal player for the Lightning since being drafted second overall in the 2009 NHL Draft. He has accumulated 806 points in 1,149 regular-season games and has been instrumental in the Lightning's back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021. His previous absence due to injury and the current situation have raised concerns about his availability for both the NHL season and the Olympics, especially since he was not selected for the last Olympic Games in 2014.

Hedman to have elbow procedure for Lightning, out until FebruaryHedman Undergoes Elbow Procedure, Benched for Lightning Until FebruaryLightning’s Victor Hedman to have elbow surgery, expected to return before OlympicsReutersLightning’s Victor Hedman undergoes elbow surgery, sidelining him until FebruaryLightning D Hedman to have elbow procedure, expected to be ready for OlympicsHedman to undergo elbow procedure, out until FebruaryESPN

Lightning head coach Jon Cooper acknowledged the setback, stating, "Obviously a step back... We didn't anticipate this." He reassured fans regarding Hedman's Olympic prospects, saying, "Don't let the country hit the panic button yet." Cooper emphasized the importance of Hedman to the team, noting, "Hedman, he's our captain -- he's a huge part of our team."

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While the Lightning organization supports Hedman's decision to undergo surgery, some analysts express concern over the timing and the potential impact on the team's performance in the lead-up to the playoffs. The Lightning currently lead the Atlantic Division with an 18-11-2 record, but losing a key player like Hedman could affect their momentum.

Lightning’s Victor Hedman to have elbow surgery, expected to return before Olympics

Following the surgery, Hedman will focus on rehabilitation with the goal of returning to the ice in early February. The Lightning will continue to navigate their schedule without him, including an upcoming game against the New York Islanders. Meanwhile, the team has recalled Declan Carlile to fill the gap left by Hedman's absence.

Lightning’s Victor Hedman to have elbow surgery, expected to return before Olympics

• “Hedman, he's our captain -- he's a huge part of our team,” — Jon Cooper, Head Coach, Tampa Bay Lightning

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• “But if it's going to happen -- which you don't want it to -- but if it is, it's better it happens now than in April.” — Jon Cooper, Head Coach, Tampa Bay Lightning

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• “Obviously, our captain, and a guy that plays massive minutes for us.” — Brayden Point, Center, Tampa Bay Lightning

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Victor Hedman's recovery will be closely monitored as he aims to return to competitive play both for the Lightning and Team Sweden in the upcoming Olympic Games.

Lightning’s Victor Hedman undergoes elbow surgery, sidelining him until February