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Victor Hedman Takes Mental-Health Leave, Returns Optimistic

5/5/2026

25 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Victor Hedman said his recent leave was driven by mental-health concerns.
He missed the final 15 regular-season games and the first-round series, which ended in a Game 7 loss to the Montreal Canadiens, saying the break was needed to become his best self.
He credited his family, teammates, the organization and his therapist for helping him, and, under contract through 2028-29, expressed pride in the team and optimism about returning.

History

Historical Context

In 2009 the NHL hired Brendan Shanahan as senior vice-president of player safety, signaling a league-wide push to protect athletes. That effort grew after ten former players sued the league over concussion negligence in November 2013 and the 2005 CBA added a strict anti-doping policy. Victor Hedman’s 2024 mental-health leave reflects this ongoing commitment by the NHL and the NHLPA.

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Story summary

Victor Hedman said his recent leave was driven by mental-health concerns.
He missed the final 15 regular-season games and the first-round series, which ended in a Game 7 loss to the Montreal Canadiens, saying the break was needed to become his best self.
He credited his family, teammates, the organization and his therapist for helping him, and, under contract through 2028-29, expressed pride in the team and optimism about returning.

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