Victor Hedman Takes Leave of Absence from Tampa Bay Lightning

On March 25, 2026, the Tampa Bay Lightning announced that captain Victor Hedman is taking a temporary leave of absence for personal reasons. The team has requested that his privacy be respected and has not provided further details regarding the situation. Hedman, 35, has missed the last three games after leaving a match against the Vancouver Canucks on March 19 due to illness, where he played only 4:44 minutes.

Lightning’s Hedman taking temporary leave of absence

Hedman's current season has been marred by injuries, limiting him to just 33 games. He missed significant time earlier in the season due to an undisclosed injury in November and underwent elbow surgery in December, which sidelined him for an additional 22 games. He returned to play in early February and participated in the 2026 Winter Olympics, where he sustained a lower-body injury during warmups, affecting his performance. In his 33 appearances this season, he has recorded one goal and 16 assists, averaging a career-low 18:52 minutes of ice time per game.

Lightning’s Victor Hedman takes leave of absence

Despite Hedman's absence, the Lightning have maintained a strong performance, currently holding a record of 44-21-5 and sitting second in the Atlantic Division, just two points behind the Buffalo Sabres. The team is likely to qualify for the playoffs, with key contributions from players such as Nikita Kucherov and Darren Raddysh.

Lightning’s Victor Hedman to take temporary leave of absence for personal reasons

While the Lightning organization has emphasized respect for Hedman's privacy, fans and commentators have expressed concern regarding his well-being. Social media reactions have included messages of support, with fans hoping for his swift recovery and return to the ice. Some have speculated about the nature of his leave, suggesting it may relate to personal or health issues impacting his performance.

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The Lightning's official statement regarding Hedman's leave was succinct: "No further details will be shared, and the team asks that his privacy be respected at this time." Head coach Jon Cooper also commented on the situation, stating, “He’s just not playing, but we’ll see after that.”

• “No further details will be shared, and the team asks that his privacy be respected at this time.” — Tampa Bay Lightning

• “He’s just not playing (Tuesday), but we’ll see after that.” — Jon Cooper, Head Coach

Victor Hedman's leave of absence adds to a challenging season for the veteran defenseman, who has faced multiple injuries. As the Lightning continue their pursuit of playoff success, the team and fans alike await updates on Hedman's situation, hoping for his eventual return to the lineup.

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