With the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the rearview mirror for the Tampa Bay Lightning, the page turns to the offseason. Part of this brings a more sensitive subject to the forefront: the absence of defenseman and captain Victor Hedman.
Hedman has now taken the chance to speak more about it, revealing in a statement Tuesday morning that he had to step away to put his focus on his mental health.
“Over the past couple of months, I made the decision to step away and focus on my mental health,” Hedman said in his statement. “It was not an easy decision, but it was the right one.
“I’ve always believed that being a leader means doing what’s best for the team. 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.”
Fortunately for him, he said he feels that he is ‘in a much better place today.’
There was a buildup to his decision to step away, he said during his exit interview for the season. What unfolded for him during the first period of the game against the Vancouver Canucks on March 19 was simply the last straw; he was at a point where the priority had to be finding himself again.
Hedman didn’t make it back on the ice for the first-round series against the Montreal Canadiens. However, he said that during the practice he was able to participate in, he felt physically and mentally there.
“Like I said, that’s a really good sign and super excited about, you know, next year and get back at it,” he said during his exit interview.
As he goes through the discussion of what he’s gone through, you can hear the difficulty of discussing it in his voice. After all, it’s been a harder time for him, and being open about what one may be going through can be difficult.
While opening up about his mental-health struggles, he provided insight for anyone who may be struggling as well. He emphasized not being afraid to speak up.
“It’s reaching out for help,” he said. “It’s important. Obviously, this game has given me, you know, a lot in life, but at the end of the day, there’s going to be life after hockey, too, and don’t sit with your thoughts. There’s a lot of people out there that can help you. That’s what I found out, and, like I said, it’s never too late either. The part is just as important, if not more important, than the physical part.”
Getting Full Support Where He Can
In time, Hedman allowed those closer to him in. He said that initially, he was primarily talking it over with his therapist. In time, he was able to embrace the support from his Lightning teammates and others from around the league.
He credited former Lightning captain and former teammate Steven Stamkos with being there for him, as well as Ottawa Senators goalie Linus Ullmark. The latter also notably struggled with mental health this season, and he credited Hedman as a key supporter during that time.
There is something important about those who relate to your struggle being there. That relatability likely helps someone feel less alone and gives someone another avenue to open up.
Hedman played in 33 games this season, the fewest of his career. He battled multiple physical injuries along with his mental health. He had a procedure on his elbow and then sustained a lower-body injury during the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Fortunately for Hedman, he was able to work through what caused his mental-health struggles. The hope now is that he can turn the page and return to being the Hall of Famer he eventually will be on the ice.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. During a month that promotes taking measures to protect and treat your mental health, an important message and example came to light. If these difficulties can happen to a star hockey player, it shows that these difficulties can impact anyone. Seeking help for yourself or for someone you care about can be a life-saving measure.
Resources for treating mental health can be found on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website here. The CDC also has links to resources, which can be found here.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, confidential, free, 24/7/365 help is available.
- Call or text 988
- Chat at 988lifeline.org
- TTY users can use their preferred relay service or dial 711, then 988
Note: The 988 line automatically routes calls by your phone’s area code to the nearest crisis center.
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