Victor Hedman reveals mental health reasons for Tampa Bay Lightning absence
Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman has revealed his absence during the final weeks of the NHL season was to focus on his mental health.
The 35-year-old released a statement on Tuesday confirming the reasons behind his recent extended spell away from the ice.
He did not feature in his team’s final 22 fixtures, including their seven-game playoff defeat against the Montreal Canadiens.
Prioritising personal wellbeing
The Swedish defenseman had been seen around the franchise recently and participated in some skating sessions, though his last competitive appearance came in mid-March.
“Over the past couple of months, I made the decision to step away and focus on my mental health,” Hedman stated.
“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.”
A campaign disrupted by absence
The veteran blue-liner featured in just 33 games this season, marking the lowest appearance total of his decorated professional career.
Prior to his personal leave, physical setbacks had already severely restricted his ice time between November and February.
Despite those earlier injury issues, the former second-overall draft pick still managed to represent his country at the Milan Cortina Olympics.
Raising awareness in professional hockey
The two-time Stanley Cup champion expressed immense gratitude to his teammates, family, therapist and the wider organisation for their ongoing support.
“This is something that exists in our game more than people see,” the 2020 Conn Smythe Trophy winner added.
“If this moment helps make it easier for others to take care of themselves when they need to, that matters.”