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Victor Hedman Takes Mental Health Leave, Returns Late Season

8/26/2026

37 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Victor Hedman stepped away from the Tampa Bay Lightning to address mental-health struggles.
He announced the leave on March 19 after six shifts (4:44 ice time) versus the Vancouver Canucks.
He returned for the Lightning’s final three regular-season games before the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
Hedman said he regrets nothing, credits therapy, and hopes his openness will reduce mental-health stigma.

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Story summary

Victor Hedman stepped away from the Tampa Bay Lightning to address mental-health struggles.
He announced the leave on March 19 after six shifts (4:44 ice time) versus the Vancouver Canucks.
He returned for the Lightning’s final three regular-season games before the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
Hedman said he regrets nothing, credits therapy, and hopes his openness will reduce mental-health stigma.