Victor Hedman
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Victor Erik Olof Hedman (; born 18 December 1990) is a Swedish professional
ice hockey Ice hockey (or simply hockey in North America) is a team sport played on ice skates, usually on an Ice rink, ice skating rink with Ice hockey rink, lines and markings specific to the sport. It belongs to a family of sports called hockey. Tw ...
defenceman Defence or defense (in American English) in ice hockey is a player position that is primarily responsible for preventing the opposing team from Goal (ice hockey), scoring. They are often referred to as defencemen, D, D-men or blueliners (the l ...
and
captain Captain is a title, an appellative for the commanding officer of a military unit; the supreme leader or highest rank officer of a navy ship, merchant ship, aeroplane, spacecraft, or other vessel; or the commander of a port, fire or police depa ...
for the
Tampa Bay Lightning The Tampa Bay Lightning (colloquially known as the Bolts) are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. The Lightning compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the ...
of the
National Hockey League The National Hockey League (NHL; , ''LNH'') is a professional ice hockey league in North America composed of 32 teams25 in the United States and 7 in Canada. The NHL is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Cana ...
(NHL). Hedman was selected second overall by the Lightning in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft and made his NHL debut that year. Widely considered at one time to be one of the best defencemen in the NHL, Hedman is a six-time
James Norris Memorial Trophy The James Norris Memorial Trophy, or simply the Norris Trophy, is awarded annually to the National Hockey League's top " defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position". It is named after Ja ...
finalist, winning the award in
2018 Events January * January 1 – Bulgaria takes over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, after the Estonian presidency. * January 4 – SPLM-IO rebels loyal to Chan Garang Lual start a raid against Juba, capital of ...
. Hedman won the
Stanley Cup The Stanley Cup () is the championship trophy awarded annually to the National Hockey League (NHL) playoff champion. It is the oldest existing trophy to be awarded to a professional sports franchise in North America, and the International Ic ...
back-to-back with the Lightning in
2020 The year 2020 was heavily defined by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to global Social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, social and Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic disruption, mass cancellations and postponements of even ...
and
2021 Like the year 2020, 2021 was also heavily defined by the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the emergence of multiple Variants of SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 variants. The major global rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, which began at the end of 2020, continued ...
, and won the
Conn Smythe Trophy The Conn Smythe Trophy () is awarded annually to the most valuable player (MVP) of his team during the National Hockey League's (NHL) Stanley Cup playoffs. It is named after Conn Smythe, the longtime owner, general manager, and head coach of the ...
as the most valuable player in
2020 The year 2020 was heavily defined by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to global Social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, social and Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic disruption, mass cancellations and postponements of even ...
.


Playing career


Modo Hockey

Hedman began his
junior ice hockey Junior ice hockey is amateur-level ice hockey for 16 to 20 year-old players. National Junior teams compete annually for the IIHF World Junior Championship. The United States men's national junior ice hockey team are the defending champions from ...
career in the Swedish
J20 SuperElit J20 Nationell is a junior ice hockey league composed of 20 teams in Sweden. Previously known as the J20 SuperElit, it is the highest-level junior ice hockey league in Sweden. The teams are divided in two groups, or divisions, ''Norra'' (North) ...
with the
Modo Hockey Modo Hockey (or MoDo with uppercase letters) is a professional ice hockey club in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden. The team currently plays in Sweden's second-tier league HockeyAllsvenskan after losing to HV71 after the play out following the 2024/25 se ...
organization. He recorded 25 points in 34 games during his first full season in the league in 2006–07. Hedman then turned professional and joined the
Elitserien Elitserien (literally, "the Elite League") is the name of several Swedish nationwide sport leagues. In many sports, Elitserien is the highest league, with the second highest named Allsvenskan. Elitserien leagues at present: * Elitserien (badmint ...
with Modo at age 16. At the beginning of the 2008–09 season, he was ranked first overall amongst all draft-eligible skaters in the International Scouting Services' preliminary rankings. In the same season, he was nominated as the
SHL Rookie of the Year SHL Rookie of the Year () is an annual award in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), presented by Svenska Spel since the 1989–90 season. Djurgårdens IF Djurgårdens Idrottsförening, commonly known simply as Djurgårdens IF, Djurgården (), an ...
. Following his performance at the 2009 World Junior Championships for
Sweden Sweden, formally the Kingdom of Sweden, is a Nordic countries, Nordic country located on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. It borders Norway to the west and north, and Finland to the east. At , Sweden is the largest Nordic count ...
, Hedman was listed atop the rankings of European skaters by the
NHL Central Scouting Bureau The NHL Central Scouting Services (CSS) is a department within the National Hockey League (NHL) that ranks prospects for the NHL entry draft at specific times during the hockey season. Players are ranked based on how well they will translate t ...
. Despite the unlikelihood of Hedman playing in Russia, he was drafted 83rd overall by the
Kontinental Hockey League The Kontinental Hockey League (KHL; ) is an international professional ice hockey league founded in 2008. It comprises member clubs based in Russia (20), Belarus (1), Kazakhstan (1), and China (1) for a total of 23 clubs. It was considered in ...
(KHL)'s
Spartak Moscow Spartak Moscow may refer to the following teams based or formerly based in Moscow, Russia: * FC Spartak Moscow, an association football club * HC Spartak Moscow, a professional ice hockey team * Spartak GM Moscow, a semi-professional rugby club * ...
on 1 June 2009. Going into the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Hedman was listed as the second-ranked player and top European player. He was drafted second overall by the
Tampa Bay Lightning The Tampa Bay Lightning (colloquially known as the Bolts) are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. The Lightning compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the ...
, behind
John Tavares John Tavares (born September 20, 1990) is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward (ice hockey), forward and Alternate Captain (ice hockey), alternate captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL). In the 2009 NHL ent ...
, who was drafted first overall by the
New York Islanders The New York Islanders (colloquially known as the Isles) are a professional ice hockey team based in Elmont, New York. The Islanders compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (N ...
. Hedman has drawn comparisons to
Hart Trophy The Hart Memorial Trophy, originally known as the Hart Trophy, is an annual award for the most valuable player to his team in the National Hockey League (NHL), voted by the members of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association. The original t ...
-winning defenceman
Chris Pronger Christopher Robert Pronger ( or ; born October 10, 1974) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman. He won the Hart Memorial Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player for the 1999–2000 season and was inducted to the Hockey Hall o ...
, who is also 6' 6" and 220 pounds, as well as also being drafted second overall.


Tampa Bay Lightning (2009–present)


Early years in Tampa (2009–2013)

Hedman made his NHL debut for the Lightning on 3 October 2009, against the
Atlanta Thrashers The Atlanta Thrashers were a professional ice hockey team based in Atlanta. Atlanta was granted a franchise in the National Hockey League (NHL) on June 25, 1997, and became the League's 28th franchise when it began play in the 1999–2000 NHL sea ...
. He registered his first point, an assist, on a
Martin St. Louis Martin St. Louis (French spelling Martin St-Louis, ; born June 18, 1975) is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former player who is the head coach for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). An undrafted player, St. ...
goal. On 5 November, Hedman suffered a
concussion A concussion, also known as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), is a head injury that temporarily affects brain functioning. Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, difficulty with thinking and concentration, sleep disturbances, a brief ...
in a 3–2 overtime win over the
Ottawa Senators The Ottawa Senators (), officially the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club and colloquially known as the Sens, are a professional ice hockey team based in Ottawa. The Senators compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Di ...
after being on the receiving end of a hit from Senators' defenceman and enforcer
Chris Neil Chris Neil (born June 18, 1979) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey winger (ice hockey), right winger. Neil was drafted in the sixth round, 161st overall, in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft by the Ottawa Senators, and played his entire NHL ca ...
, resulting in him missing the following game two days later against the
Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens (), officially ' ( Canadian Hockey Club) and colloquially known as the Habs, are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal. The Canadiens compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic D ...
before returning for the game five days after against
Los Angeles Kings The Los Angeles Kings are a professional ice hockey team based in Los Angeles. The Kings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. ...
. His first NHL goal was then scored on 5 December against
Dwayne Roloson Albert Dwayne Roloson (born October 12, 1969) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender and former goaltending coach of the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League (NHL). He is currently the Goaltending Coach and Director of Pla ...
of the
New York Islanders The New York Islanders (colloquially known as the Isles) are a professional ice hockey team based in Elmont, New York. The Islanders compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (N ...
. The 2009–10 season, his rookie season, ended with Hedman playing 74 games with four goals, 16 assists and 20 points. On 5 January 2011, halfway into his sophomore NHL season in
2010–11 1 (one, unit, unity) is a number, numeral, and glyph. It is the first and smallest positive integer of the infinite sequence of natural numbers. This fundamental property has led to its unique uses in other fields, ranging from science to sp ...
, Hedman checked
Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins (colloquially known as the Pens) are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh. The Penguins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), E ...
centre and captain
Sidney Crosby Sidney Patrick Crosby (born August 7, 1987) is a Canadian professional ice hockey Centre (ice hockey), centre and Captain (ice hockey), captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL). Nicknamed "Sid the Kid" and dubb ...
from behind, receiving a minor boarding penalty. The hit was one of two that were eventually blamed for causing a severe concussion on Crosby that kept him out of play for the rest of the season and most of the 2011–12 season. After ending the 2010–11 season with three goals, 23 assists and 26 points in 79 games and helped the Lightning clinch a playoff spot for the first time since
2007 2007 was designated as the International Heliophysical Year and the International Polar Year. Events January * January 1 **Bulgaria and Romania 2007 enlargement of the European Union, join the European Union, while Slovenia joins the Eur ...
, Hedman made his Stanley Cup playoff debut on 13 April 2011 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. On 15 April in Game 2, Hedman recorded his first career playoff assist and point on a goal by Eric Brewer. Hedman and the Lightning would make a surprisingly deep playoff run throughout the 2011 playoffs as they would eventually defeat the fourth-seeded Penguins in seven games (after initially trailing 3–1 in earlier in the series) and then sweep the top-seeded
Washington Capitals The Washington Capitals (colloquially known as the Caps) are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. The Capitals compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NH ...
in four games in the second round before getting defeated by the third-seeded and eventual Stanley Cup champion
Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston. The Bruins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The t ...
in the Eastern Conference Finals in seven games, one win short from reaching the Stanley Cup Finals. On 29 November 2011, shortly into the 2011–12 season, Hedman signed a five-year, $20 million contract extension with Tampa Bay. On 27 December, Hedman suffered a concussion in a 5–1 victory against the
Philadelphia Flyers The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia. The Flyers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team play ...
, resulting in him missing the next 13 games. Hedman ultimaely ended the season with five goals and 18 assists for 23 points in 61 games. On 25 September 2012, it was announced that Hedman signed a contract with
Barys Astana Hockey Club Barys ( ), also referred to as Barys Astana or HC Barys, is a professional ice hockey club based in Astana, Kazakhstan. It is a member of the Chernyshev Division in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). It is one of the founding members ...
of the KHL during the
2012–13 NHL lockout 1 (one, unit, unity) is a number, numeral, and glyph. It is the first and smallest positive integer of the infinite sequence of natural numbers. This fundamental property has led to its unique uses in other fields, ranging from science to ...
. In January 2013, Hedman returned to the NHL after lockout ended, playing 44 games of the shortened 48-game season and registering four goals, 16 assists and 20 points.


Rising star amongst defenceman, Norris Trophy win (2013–2019)

During the 2013–14 season, Hedman had a breakout season, posting a career best in goals (13), assists (42) and points (55) in 75 contests played as the Lightning as a team finished third in the East, qualifying for the playoffs for the first time since
2011 The year marked the start of a Arab Spring, series of protests and revolutions throughout the Arab world advocating for democracy, reform, and economic recovery, later leading to the depositions of world leaders in Tunisia, Egypt, and Yemen ...
. His 42 assists led the team in that statistic. In Game 4 in the opening round of the 2014 playoffs on 22 April 2014, Hedman scored his first career playoff goal on
Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens (), officially ' ( Canadian Hockey Club) and colloquially known as the Habs, are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal. The Canadiens compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic D ...
goaltender
Carey Price Carey Price (born August 16, 1987) is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently under contract with the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). Considered one of the best goaltenders in the world during his career, ...
. The sixth-seeded Canadiens would eventually win the game 4–3 against the Lightning to complete the four game sweep. Hedman picked up right where he left off to start the 2014–15 season. However, his strong start would be derailed after he suffered a broken finger in a game against the
Vancouver Canucks The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver. The Canucks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conferenc ...
on 18 October 2014, which was expected to rule him out of play for four-to-six weeks. At the time of this injury, Hedman was tied for the lead amongst NHL defencemen with seven points and was considered a possible
James Norris Memorial Trophy The James Norris Memorial Trophy, or simply the Norris Trophy, is awarded annually to the National Hockey League's top " defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position". It is named after Ja ...
candidate for Defenceman of the Year entering into the season. Despite this injury, Hedman still had a productive season with the Lightning, scoring 10 goals, 28 assists and 38 points in 59 games played. After Game 2 of the
Stanley Cup Finals The Stanley Cup Finals in ice hockey (also known as the Stanley Cup Final among various media, ) is the annual championship series of the National Hockey League (NHL). The winner is awarded the Stanley Cup, North America's oldest professional spo ...
against the
Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks (spelled Black Hawks until 1986, and known colloquially as the Hawks) are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago. The Blackhawks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (N ...
on 6 June 2015, Hedman had recorded two points with two assists on goals by
Cédric Paquette Cédric Paquette (born August 13, 1993) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player for the HC Dynamo Moscow of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). He was selected in the fourth round, 101st overall, by the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National H ...
and
Jason Garrison Jason John Maxwell Garrison (born November 13, 1984) is a Canadians, Canadian professional ice hockey Defenceman, defenseman currently an unrestricted free agent. He most recently played for the Chicago Wolves in the American Hockey League (AHL ...
to secure the spot as the point leader by a Lightning defencemen in a single playoff year, with 1 goal, 11 assists and 12 points up that point in the 2015 playoffs. On 8 June, during Game 3 of the Finals, Hedman recorded assists on goals by
Ryan Callahan Ryan Callahan (born March 21, 1985) is an American former professional ice hockey right winger who played 13 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the New York Rangers and the Tampa Bay Lightning. He currently serves as a studio and ...
and Cédric Paquette to set the Lightning franchise record for most career playoff assists (20) and points (23) by a defenceman, surpassing Dan Boyle, who previously held the record with three goals and 19 assists (22 points). The Lightning would eventually lose the series to the Blackhawks in six games and Hedman finished the playoffs with a goal and 13 assists for 14 points in all 26 games. On 15 October 2015, in a 5–3 loss to the
Dallas Stars The Dallas Stars are a professional ice hockey team based in Dallas. The Stars compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. The Stars ...
, Hedman suffered a
concussion A concussion, also known as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), is a head injury that temporarily affects brain functioning. Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, difficulty with thinking and concentration, sleep disturbances, a brief ...
after being on the receiving end of a hit by Stars' forward and captain
Jamie Benn Jamie Randolph Benn (born July 18, 1989) is a Canadian professional ice hockey winger and captain of the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League (NHL). In the 2007 NHL entry draft, Benn was drafted by the Dallas Stars 129th overall. He ...
, causing him to miss the next game two days later against the
Buffalo Sabres The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. The Sabres compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Con ...
and returning to the lineup in the game after, three days later against the
Nashville Predators The Nashville Predators (colloquially referred to as the Preds) are a professional ice hockey team based in Nashville, Tennessee. The Predators compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Divisio ...
. He eventually finished the 2015–16 season with 10 goals and a team-leading 37 assists for 47 points in 78 games played. On 20 May 2016, Hedman recorded two assists in a 4–3 Lightning win over the
Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins (colloquially known as the Pens) are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh. The Penguins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), E ...
in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals in the 2016 playoffs on goals by Ryan Callahan and
Jonathan Drouin Jonathan Drouin (born March 28, 1995) is a Canadian professional ice hockey Winger (ice hockey), left winger for the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League (NHL). After a stellar 2012–13 QMJHL season, 2012–13 season with the Quebec ...
, respectively. The two assists moved Hedman past
Vincent Lecavalier Vincent Lecavalier (born April 21, 1980) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre currently working as a special advisor of hockey operations for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected first ove ...
(28) and
Brad Richards Bradley Ray Richards (born May 2, 1980) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre (ice hockey), centre. Richards was drafted in the third round, 64th overall, by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft and played for the Li ...
(29) for number two all-time in playoff assists with the franchise. In Game 6 on 24 May, Hedman played his 64th career playoff game to become the leader in playoff games played for the Lightning. He surpassed former teammates Martin St. Louis and Vincent Lecavalier, who were tied for the most playoff games played in franchise history beforehand. The Lightning would eventually fall in seven games to the Penguins in the third round of the playoffs by losing Game 7 2–1 for a 4–3 defeat in the series, one win short from a second consecutive appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals. On 1 July 2016, the Lightning re-signed Hedman to an eight-year contract extension worth $7.875 million per season. In the previous season, Hedman led all Lightning defencemen in goals (10), assists (37), points (47) and plus-minus. He also led all Lightning skaters in assists, plus-minus, average ice time (23:03), takeaways (48) and blocked shots (132). He also posted a career-high with a plus-21 rating. Hedman currently ranks third all-time in franchise history among defencemen in career points (229), behind Dan Boyle (253) and
Pavel Kubina Pavel Kubina (born April 15, 1977) is a Czech former professional ice hockey defenceman who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs, Atlanta Thrashers and Philadelphia Flyers from 1998 to 2012. ...
(243). He is also second all-time among defencemen in assists (180) and fourth for goals (49). Hedman ranks third all-time among Lightning defencemen for games played, trailing only Pavel Kubina (662) and Cory Sarich (490). In addition, Hedman is the Bolts' all-time playoff leader for points, goals, assists and plus-minus among defencemen. On 26 October, Hedman recorded his 50th career NHL goal. The goal came in a 7–3 Lightning victory over the
Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs (officially the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and often referred to as the Leafs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto. The Maple Leafs compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the A ...
at the
Air Canada Centre Scotiabank Arena (SBA), formerly known as Air Canada Centre (ACC), is a multi-purposed arena located on Bay Street in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is the home of the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and t ...
. On 5 November, Hedman recorded his 187th assist on a
Brian Boyle Brian Paul Boyle (born December 18, 1984) is an American former professional ice hockey center who works as an analyst for NHL Network. Boyle has previously played for the Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple ...
goal, which tied him with Dan Boyle for most career assists by a Lightning defenceman. The assist came in a 4–1 Lightning victory over the visiting
New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The club w ...
. On 10 November, Hedman recorded his 188th career assist on a goal by
Nikita Kucherov Nikita Igorevich Kucherov (; born 17 June 1993) is a Russian professional ice hockey right winger and alternate captain for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League (NHL). Regarded as one of the best players in the world, Kucherov ...
against the New York Islanders which is the most assists by a defenceman in Lightning history. Hedman is now seventh in franchise history in assists. On 14 November, Hedman recorded his 189th assist, which tied with Brian Bradley for sixth in assists in Lightning history. The assist came on a Ryan Callahan goal in a 4–0 Lightning win over the New York Islanders at the
Barclays Center Barclays Center ( ) is a multi-purpose list of indoor arenas, indoor arena in the New York City Boroughs of New York City, borough of Brooklyn. The arena is home to the Brooklyn Nets of the National Basketball Association and the New York Liber ...
. On 15 November, Hedman recorded his 190th assist on a
Steven Stamkos Steven Stamkos (born February 7, 1990) is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre for the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League (NHL). Stamkos was selected first overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Sta ...
goal, which moved Hedman past Bradley for sixth all time in assists in Lightning history. The assist came in a 4–3 win over the
Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings (colloquially referred to as the Wings) are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the East ...
at
Joe Louis Arena Joe Louis Arena was an arena in Downtown Detroit. Completed in 1979 at a cost of US$57 million as a replacement for Olympia Stadium, it sat adjacent to Cobo Center on the bank of the Detroit River and was accessible by the Joe Louis Arena ...
. On 21 November against the Nashville Predators, Hedman recorded an assist on a Tyler Johnson goal, which was Hedman's 243rd career point. This put Hedman into a tie with Pavel Kubina for tenth place on the Lightning's all-time scoring list. Hedman also tied with Kubina for second all-time in points by a defencemen in Lightning history. On 23 November, Hedman recorded a goal in a 4–2 Lightning victory over the visiting
Philadelphia Flyers The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia. The Flyers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team play ...
. This was Hedman's 244th career point, which moved him past Kubina for second in points by a defenceman and tenth in points in Lightning history. On 14 December, Hedman skated in his 500th career NHL game, which came in a 6–3 Lightning victory over the
Calgary Flames The Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary. The Flames compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. The ...
. Additionally, Hedman recorded three assists on goals by Alex Killorn,
Andrej Å ustr Andrej Å ustr (born 29 November 1990) is a Czech professional ice hockey defenceman for Tappara of the Finnish Liiga. Previously he played in the NHL for the Tampa Bay Lightning and Anaheim Ducks. An undrafted player, Å ustr made his NHL debut wi ...
and Brian Boyle respectively and thereafter needed two points to tie Dan Boyle (253) for most all-time points by a Lightning defenceman. On 16 December, Hedman recorded his 253rd career NHL point in a 4–2 loss to the Vancouver Canucks with a goal on Canucks' goaltender
Ryan Miller Ryan Dean Miller (born July 17, 1980) is an American former ice hockey goaltender who played 18 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) mostly for the Buffalo Sabres. Miller was drafted 138th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1999 NHL E ...
, which moved him into a tie with Dan Boyle. On 17 December, Hedman became the all-time leader in points by a defenceman with his 254th career point, an assist on a goal by Jonathan Drouin in a 3–2 win over the
Edmonton Oilers The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton. The Oilers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. Th ...
. As a result of this milestone, Hedman also moved into ninth place on the all-time franchise list for all skaters. On 20 December, Hedman recorded his 200th career NHL assist on a goal scored by
Brayden Point Brayden Point (born March 13, 1996) is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League (NHL). The Lightning selected Point in the third round, 79th overall in the 2014 NHL entry draft. ...
. Hedman also became the first defencemen in Lightning history to record 200 career assists. On 28 December against the Montreal Canadiens, Hedman recorded two points, a goal on Canadiens goaltender Carey Price and an assist on a goal by
Ondřej Palát Ondřej Palát (born 28 March 1991) is a Czech professional ice hockey winger (ice hockey), winger and Captain (ice hockey), alternate captain for the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted in the seventh round, 208 ...
to move past
Chris Gratton Christopher Allan Gratton (born July 5, 1975) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who last played with the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League (NHL). He is the cousin of Josh Gratton, who had also briefly played i ...
in to eighth place on the Lightning's all-time scoring list. On 10 January 2017, Hedman was named to the 2017 NHL All-Star Game as a member of the Atlantic Division team. On 23 February, Hedman recorded his 526th and 527th career hits in a game against the Calgary Flames, which moved him past Eric Brewer for the most hits in Lightning history. On 11 March, Hedman recorded his 287th career point in a Lightning uniform with an assist on a Nikita Kucherov goal in a 3–2 Lightning win over the
Florida Panthers The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in the Miami metropolitan area. The Panthers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. The team initially played it ...
. This moved him past
Fredrik Modin Jan Fredrik "Freddy" Modin (born 8 October 1974) is a Swedish former professional ice hockey left winger who played 14 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). He is best remembered for his most productive years with the Tampa Bay Lightning, w ...
for seventh-most points all-time in franchise history. On 27 March, in a 5–4 overtime win over the Chicago Blackhawks, Hedman recorded his 50th assist of the season to become the first defenceman in Lightning history to record 50th assists in a single season. On 30 March, Hedman recorded an assist on a goal by Jonathan Drouin in the second period to move him past
Roman Hamrlík Roman Hamrlík (born April 12, 1974) is a Czech former professional ice hockey defenceman who played 20 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was originally selected first overall in the 1992 NHL entry draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning ...
for the most points (66) in a single season by a defenceman in Lightning history as the Lightning would defeat the Detroit Red Wings 5–3. On 6 April, in a 4–1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, Hedman recorded three assists on goals by Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point and
Michaël Bournival Joseph Alain Michaël Bournival (born May 31, 1992) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He was selected in the third round, 71st overall, by the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League (NHL) in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft ...
to become the first defenceman in Lightning history to reach 70 points in a single season. Hedman also joined
Börje Salming Anders Börje Salming ( ; 17 April 1951 – 24 November 2022) was a Swedish ice hockey player. He was a defenceman who played professionally for 23 seasons, for the clubs Brynäs IF, Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, and AIK Hockey, AIK. H ...
,
Nicklas Lidström Erik Nicklas Lidström (; born 28 April 1970) is a Swedish former professional ice hockey defenceman and current vice president of hockey operations for the Detroit Red Wings. He played 20 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Detr ...
and
Erik Karlsson Erik Sven Gunnar Karlsson (; born 31 May 1990) is a Swedish professional ice hockey defenceman for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL). Karlsson was drafted in the first round, 15th overall, by the Ottawa Senators at th ...
as the only Swedish defencemen to reach 70 points in a single season. On 9 April in the 2016–17 season finale, Hedman recorded a goal and an assist on a Brayden Point goal in a 4–2 Lightning win over the visiting Buffalo Sabres. Hedman's two points moved him past Brian Bradley for sixth all-time in franchise history in points (301). Hedman completed the season with a career-high in goals, assists and points with 16 goals, 56 assists and 72 points recorded in 79 games played. His 56 assists led the Lightning in assists. Hedman and the Lightning would miss the 2017 playoffs by just one point in the standings. On 21 April, Hedman was named as a finalist for the James Norris Memorial Trophy for the first time in his career, which is awarded annually to the NHL's top defenceman. Hedman finished third in Norris voting that season as the award ultimately went to
Brent Burns Brent Burns (born March 9, 1985) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman for the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League (NHL). Drafted as a right wing (20th overall) at the 2003 NHL Entry Draft by the Minnesota Wild, he wa ...
of the
San Jose Sharks The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California. The Sharks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Con ...
. On 21 June, Hedman was named as an NHL Second Team All Star for the 2016–17 season. On 12 October 2017, Hedman skated in his 553rd NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, which moved him past Brad Richards for fifth-most games played in Lightning history. On the same night, Hedman recorded his 66th career NHL goal, which moved him into a tie with Dan Boyle for second-most goals by a Lightning defencemen in franchise history. On 4 November, Hedman recorded two assists on goals by Steven Stamkos and
Yanni Gourde Yanni Gourde (born December 15, 1991) is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League (NHL). An undrafted player, Gourde signed with the Lightning as a free agent in 2014, and won back-to- ...
in a 5–4 Lightning win over the visiting
Columbus Blue Jackets The Columbus Blue Jackets (often simply referred to as the Jackets) are a professional ice hockey team based in Columbus, Ohio. The Blue Jackets compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern C ...
. The two assists moved Hedman past
Václav Prospal Václav "Vinny" Prospal (born 17 February 1975) is a Czech former professional ice hockey player, currently a hockey coach. He played 16 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Philadelphia Flyers, Ottawa Senators, Florida Panthers, ...
(245) for fifth-most assists in Lightning franchise history. On 10 January 2018, Hedman was named to the 2018 NHL All-Star Game. Hedman also became the only defenceman in Lightning history to be named to multiple All-Star Games. However, he could not play due to injury and he was replaced by teammate Brayden Point. Hedman was unable to play in the All-Star Game due to a knee injury suffered on 11 January in a game against the Calgary Flames in a knee-on-knee collission with Flames' forward
Garnet Hathaway John Garnet Hathaway (born November 23, 1991) is an Americans, American professional ice hockey Forward (ice hockey), forward for the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Early life Hathaway was born in Naples, Florida, but ...
. However, Hedman did participate in the event by serving an assistant equipment manager. On 8 February, Hedman recorded a goal in a 5–2 win over the visiting Vancouver Canucks. The goal moved Hedman past Pavel Kubina for the most goals by a defenceman in franchise history. On 3 March, Hedman recorded a four-point game in a 7–6 Lightning shootout win over the visiting Philadelphia Flyers. With his four-point effort, Hedman became the only defenceman in Lightning history to record multiple 4+ point games. Hedman finished the 2017–18 season with 17 goals and 46 assists for 63 points in 77 games played to help the Lightning not only return to the playoffs after the team narrowly missed the year prior but also helping the Lightning finish the season as the top seed in the Eastern Conference. In the 2018 playoffs, Hedman and the Lightning would go on another lengthy playoff run having defeated the eighth-seeded New Jersey Devils in five games and the third-seeded
Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston. The Bruins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The t ...
in five games in the first two rounds before being defeated in the Eastern Conference Finals in seven games by the second-seeded and eventual Stanley Cup Champion
Washington Capitals The Washington Capitals (colloquially known as the Caps) are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. The Capitals compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NH ...
, one win short of reaching the Stanley Cup Finals once more. Hedman ended the playoffs with 1 goal and 10 assists for 11 points in all 17 games played. On 20 June, at the 2018 NHL awards, Hedman won the James Norris Memorial Trophy for the first time in his career. This was Hedman's second consecutive nomination and second time for his career for the award. Hedman was the first defenceman in Lightning history to win the award. Shortly before the 2018–19 season began, Hedman was named
alternate captain In ice hockey, the captain is the player designated by a team as the only person authorized to speak with the game officials regarding rule interpretations when the captain is on the ice. At most levels of play each team must designate one captai ...
for the Lightning. On 29 December 2018, Hedman recorded his 300th career NHL assist on a Nikita Kucherov goal against the Montreal Canadiens. On 10 January 2019, Hedman skated in his 663rd game in a Lightning uniform in a 3–1 win over the
Carolina Hurricanes The Carolina Hurricanes (colloquially known as the Canes) are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Hurricanes compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Con ...
. This moved Hedman past Pavel Kubina for the most games played by a defenceman in franchise history. On 10 February, Hedman recorded his 400th career NHL point with an assist on a goal scored by Yanni Gourde in a 5–4 Lightning victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. On 5 March, Hedman moved past Dan Boyle for most power play points by a defenceman in Lightning history (127) with an assist on a goal by Brayden Point in a 5–2 win over the
Winnipeg Jets The Winnipeg Jets are a professional ice hockey team based in Winnipeg. The Jets compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. The te ...
. Hedman finished the season playing in 70 games with 12 goals, 42 assists and 54 points. The Lighting won their first
Presidents' Trophy The Presidents' Trophy () is an award presented by the National Hockey League (NHL) to the team that finishes with the most points (i.e., best overall record) during the regular season. If two teams are tied for the most points, then the Trophy ...
as the regular season champions, tying the 1995–96 Detroit Red Wings for a league record of 62 wins in an 82-game season. Despite the regular season dominance, the Lightning would surprisingly get swept in the first round of the 2019 playoffs by the eighth-seeded Columbus Blue Jackets. In the four game sweep, Hedman would be held pointless in the first two games of the series before missing the final two games due to an undisclosed injury in game two. Hedman was a finalist for the Norris Trophy for the third consecutive season, which eventually went to Calgary Flames captain
Mark Giordano Mark Giordano (; born October 3, 1983) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who is currently retired. He most recently played for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL). He previously played with the Calgary Fl ...
.


Continued success, back-to-back Stanley Cup wins, Conn Smythe Trophy (2019–2024)

On 5 December 2019, Hedman scored his 100th career NHL goal in a 5–4 loss against the
Minnesota Wild The Minnesota Wild are a professional ice hockey team based in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The Wild compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Confer ...
against goaltender
Alex Stalock Alexander Stalock ( ; born July 28, 1987) is an American sports commentator and former professional ice hockey goaltender. Stalock was originally drafted 112th overall in the 2005 NHL entry draft by the San Jose Sharks, and also played for the Mi ...
. Hedman became the first defenceman in Lightning history to record 100 regular season goals and the seventh Swedish-born defenceman to do so. On 30 December, Hedman was announced as a selection for the 2020 NHL All-Star Game. Hedman was named a finalist for the James Norris Memorial Trophy for the fourth consecutive season, which eventually went to
Nashville Predators The Nashville Predators (colloquially referred to as the Preds) are a professional ice hockey team based in Nashville, Tennessee. The Predators compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Divisio ...
captain
Roman Josi Roman Josi (born 1 June 1990) is a Swiss professional ice hockey defenceman and captain of the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League (NHL). Josi was drafted 38th overall by the Predators in the 2008 NHL entry draft. Growing up in S ...
. On 23 August 2020, Hedman scored two goals in a 3–2 loss against the
Presidents' Trophy The Presidents' Trophy () is an award presented by the National Hockey League (NHL) to the team that finishes with the most points (i.e., best overall record) during the regular season. If two teams are tied for the most points, then the Trophy ...
-winning Boston Bruins on goaltender
Jaroslav Halák Jaroslav Halák (; born 13 May 1985) is a Slovak former professional ice hockey goaltender. He was selected in the ninth round, 271st overall, by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. Halák played for the Canadiens as well as t ...
in the first game of the second round of the 2020 playoffs. The goals moved Hedman past Vincent Lecavalier for fifth-most points (53) in Lightning playoff history. On 25 August, Hedman recorded an assist on a goal by
Blake Coleman Blake Coleman (born November 28, 1991), nicknamed "Pickles", is an American professional ice hockey forward and alternate captain for the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the third round, 75th overall, by the ...
in a Game 2 overtime victory over the Bruins. The assist moved him past
Steven Stamkos Steven Stamkos (born February 7, 1990) is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre for the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League (NHL). Stamkos was selected first overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Sta ...
for fourth-most playoff points (54) in Lightning history. The assist also moved Hedman past Erik Karlsson and Calle Johansson for fourth-most playoff assists (44) among Swedish defencemen. On 31 August, Hedman scored the game-winning goal and series clinching double-overtime goal over the Bruins. The goal was his fourth of the series and fifth of the playoffs. The four goals set a franchise record for most goals by a defenceman in a single playoff series. The fifth goal extended his current Lightning record of most goals by a defencemen in a single playoff year. As the Lightning defeated the
Dallas Stars The Dallas Stars are a professional ice hockey team based in Dallas. The Stars compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. The Stars ...
in six games in the
2020 Stanley Cup Finals The 2020 Stanley Cup Finals was the Stanley Cup Finals, championship series of the National Hockey League's (NHL) 2019–20 NHL season, 2019–20 season and the culmination of the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs. This series was between the Eastern C ...
for their second
Stanley Cup The Stanley Cup () is the championship trophy awarded annually to the National Hockey League (NHL) playoff champion. It is the oldest existing trophy to be awarded to a professional sports franchise in North America, and the International Ic ...
in franchise history, Hedman was awarded the
Conn Smythe Trophy The Conn Smythe Trophy () is awarded annually to the most valuable player (MVP) of his team during the National Hockey League's (NHL) Stanley Cup playoffs. It is named after Conn Smythe, the longtime owner, general manager, and head coach of the ...
by NHL commissioner
Gary Bettman Gary Bruce Bettman (born June 2, 1952) is an American sports executive who serves as the NHL commissioner, commissioner of the National Hockey League (NHL), a post he has held since February 1, 1993. Previously, Bettman was a senior vice preside ...
as the most valuable player in the playoffs. His ten goals during the 2020 playoffs were the third-most by a defenceman during a playoff year in league history, behind only
Paul Coffey Paul Patrick Coffey (born June 1, 1961) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman who played for nine teams over 21 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). Known for his speed and scoring prowess, Coffey ranks second all-time ...
(12 in
1985 The year 1985 was designated as the International Youth Year by the United Nations. Events January * January 1 ** The Internet's Domain Name System is created. ** Greenland withdraws from the European Economic Community as a result of a n ...
and
Brian Leetch Brian Joseph Leetch (born March 3, 1968) is an American former professional ice hockey defenseman who played 18 National Hockey League (NHL) seasons with the New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Boston Bruins. He has been called one of the ...
(11 in
1994 The year 1994 was designated as the " International Year of the Family" and the "International Year of Sport and the Olympic Ideal" by the United Nations. In the Line Islands and Phoenix Islands of Kiribati, 1994 had only 364 days, omitti ...
). On 16 March 2021, Hedman recorded his 500th point in a 4–3 overtime win against the Dallas Stars with an assist on a goal scored by captain Steven Stamkos. On 17 April, Hedman recorded his 400th NHL assist on a goal scored by
Erik Černák Erik Černák (born 28 May 1997) is a Slovak professional ice hockey defenceman for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the second round, 43rd overall, in the 2015 NHL entry d ...
in a 5–3 loss to the
Florida Panthers The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in the Miami metropolitan area. The Panthers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. The team initially played it ...
, becoming the first defenceman in franchise history to reach that mark. Hedman recorded nine goals and 36 assists for 46 points and played in 55 games of the 2020–21 season, which was shortened to 56 games due to the ongoing
COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic (also known as the coronavirus pandemic and COVID pandemic), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), began with an disease outbreak, outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China, in December ...
. Hedman was a Norris Trophy finalist for the fifth-straight season although the award ultimately went to
Adam Fox Adam Fox (born February 17, 1998) is an American professional ice hockey defenseman and alternate captain for the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Fox was selected by the Calgary Flames, 66th overall, in the 2016 NHL entry ...
of the
New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in New York City. The Rangers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team plays ...
. Hedman and the Lightning repeated at Stanley Cup champions in
2021 Like the year 2020, 2021 was also heavily defined by the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the emergence of multiple Variants of SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 variants. The major global rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, which began at the end of 2020, continued ...
by defeating the Montreal Canadiens in five games in the 2021 Stanley Cup Finals after defeating the Florida Panthers in six games, Carolina Hurricanes in five games and New York Islanders in seven games in the first three rounds, respectively. After the Lightning's championship, it was revealed that Hedman played the last several weeks of the season and the entire playoffs with a torn meniscus that was initially sustained on 30 March in a 3–1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. On 9 May 2022, Hedman was named a Norris Trophy finalist for the sixth consecutive season and sixth time in his career altogether after finishing the 2021–22 season with career highs in goals (20), assists (65) and points (85) and playing in all 82 games for the first time in his career. The Norris Trophy would eventually go to
Cale Makar Cale Douglas Makar (born October 30, 1998) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman and Captain (ice hockey)#Alternate captains, alternate captain for the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected with the f ...
of the
Colorado Avalanche The Colorado Avalanche (colloquially known as the Avs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver. The Avalanche compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division in the Western Con ...
. After defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs, Presidents' Trophy-winning Florida Panthers and New York Rangers in the first three rounds of the 2022 playoffs, Hedman and the Lightning would clinch a third consecutive appearance in the
Stanley Cup Finals The Stanley Cup Finals in ice hockey (also known as the Stanley Cup Final among various media, ) is the annual championship series of the National Hockey League (NHL). The winner is awarded the Stanley Cup, North America's oldest professional spo ...
(fourth altogether for Hedman's tenure and career) in which the Lightning would fall in six games to the top-seeded Colorado Avalanche. On 11 February 2023, Hedman recorded his 500th assist on a goal by
Anthony Cirelli Anthony Cirelli (, ; born July 15, 1997) is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre who is currently playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected by the Lightning in the third round (72nd overall) of t ...
in a 3–1 victory over the Dallas Stars to become the 33rd defenceman in NHL history to hit the mark. Hedman finished the 2022–23 season with nine goals, 40 assists and 49 points in 76 contests played. In the 2023 playoffs, Hedman and the Lightning would face the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round for the second straight year, where this time they would lose in six games. In the series, Hedman was held goalless and recorded three assists and points in five contexts played. Hedman played his 1,000th NHL game in a 4–0 Lightning win against the Dallas Stars on 4 December 2023. Hedman would finish the 2023–24 season playing in 78 games with 13 goals, 63 assists and 76 points followed by a goal and six assists for seven points in all five games of the 2024 playoffs in the Lightning's first round exit in five games to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.


Recent years and captaincy (2024–present)

On 2 July 2024, Hedman signed a four-year, $32 million contract extension with the Lightning, taking him until the 2028–29 season with $8 million per year. On 18 September, the Lightning named Hedman as captain, becoming the 11th captain in team history after the previous captain,
Steven Stamkos Steven Stamkos (born February 7, 1990) is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre for the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League (NHL). Stamkos was selected first overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Sta ...
, signed with the
Nashville Predators The Nashville Predators (colloquially referred to as the Preds) are a professional ice hockey team based in Nashville, Tennessee. The Predators compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Divisio ...
in free agency earlier in the 2024 off-season. On 30 November, Hedman recorded two assists on goals by
Brandon Hagel Brandon Hagel (born August 27, 1998) is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected 159th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2016 NHL entry dra ...
and
Cam Atkinson Cameron Thomas Atkinson (born June 5, 1989) is an American professional ice hockey right winger for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League (NHL). Atkinson was selected by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the sixth round, 157th overall, ...
in a 5–3 loss against the
Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs (officially the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and often referred to as the Leafs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto. The Maple Leafs compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the A ...
to reach 590 career NHL assists, passing
Martin St. Louis Martin St. Louis (French spelling Martin St-Louis, ; born June 18, 1975) is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former player who is the head coach for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). An undrafted player, St. ...
for franchise leader in assists. On 28 December, Hedman played in his 1,083rd game in a 6–2 win over the
New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in New York City. The Rangers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team plays ...
, passing Steven Stamkos for most games played in Lightning history. On 16 January 2025, Hedman recorded his 600th career assist on a goal by
Anthony Cirelli Anthony Cirelli (, ; born July 15, 1997) is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre who is currently playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected by the Lightning in the third round (72nd overall) of t ...
in a 4–3 SO win over the
Anaheim Ducks The Anaheim Ducks are a professional ice hockey team based in Anaheim, California. The Ducks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Confere ...
, becoming the first player in Lightning history to reach the mark. Hedman finished the 2024–25 season with 15 goals and 51 assists for 66 points in 79 games played. He also added three assists for three points but was goalless in all five playoff games in the 2025 playoffs as the Lightning were defeated in the first round for the third consecutive year and second consecutive year to the Florida Panthers. It was revealed that Hedman played Game 5 through a broken foot initially suffered in Game 4.


International play

Hedman played for
Sweden Sweden, formally the Kingdom of Sweden, is a Nordic countries, Nordic country located on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. It borders Norway to the west and north, and Finland to the east. At , Sweden is the largest Nordic count ...
at the 2008 World Junior Championships, where he helped the team to a
silver medal A silver medal, in sports and other similar areas involving competition, is a medal made of, or plated with, silver awarded to the second-place finisher, or runner-up, of contests or competitions such as the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, ...
, losing to
Canada Canada is a country in North America. Its Provinces and territories of Canada, ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, making it the world's List of coun ...
3–2 in the final, and was selected to the tournament All-Star Team. He later became one of the youngest players to play for Sweden's men's team when he made his debut at age 17 in an exhibition game against
Norway Norway, officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic countries, Nordic country located on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. The remote Arctic island of Jan Mayen and the archipelago of Svalbard also form part of the Kingdom of ...
. Hedman would once again play for Sweden's junior team at the 2009 World Junior Championships in
Ottawa Ottawa is the capital city of Canada. It is located in the southern Ontario, southern portion of the province of Ontario, at the confluence of the Ottawa River and the Rideau River. Ottawa borders Gatineau, Gatineau, Quebec, and forms the cor ...
, where he met Canada for the second consecutive year in the gold-medal game, earning another silver medal in a 5–1 loss. On 2 March 2016, the
Swedish Ice Hockey Association The Swedish Ice Hockey Association () in Swedish, is an association of Swedish ice hockey clubs. It was established in Stockholm on 17 November 1922 by representatives from seven clubs. Before then, organized ice hockey in Sweden had been admi ...
named Hedman to its roster for the
2016 World Cup of Hockey The 2016 World Cup of Hockey (abbreviated WCH2016) was an international ice hockey tournament. It was the third installment of the National Hockey League (NHL)-sanctioned competition, 12 years after the second World Cup of Hockey in 2004. It was ...
. Hedman was joined by Lightning teammate
Anton Strålman Anton Strålman (born 1 August 1986) is a former Swedish professional ice hockey defenceman. Strålman last played for HV71 in the Swedish Hockey League. He also played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Toronto Maple Leafs, the organiza ...
. The tournament ran from 17 September to 1 October 2016 in
Toronto Toronto ( , locally pronounced or ) is the List of the largest municipalities in Canada by population, most populous city in Canada. It is the capital city of the Provinces and territories of Canada, Canadian province of Ontario. With a p ...
. On 15 April 2017, the Swedish Ice Hockey Association named Hedman to its roster for the
2017 IIHF World Championship The 2017 IIHF World Championship, the 2017 edition of the annual Ice Hockey World Championships, was held from 5 to 21 May 2017 in Cologne, Germany and Paris, France. The official tournament mascots were Asterix (character), Asterix and Obelix, ...
. On 28 April, Hedman was named as an assistant captain for the tournament. On 21 May, Hedman helped team Sweden capture gold in a 2–1 victory over
Canada Canada is a country in North America. Its Provinces and territories of Canada, ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, making it the world's List of coun ...
.


Personal life

Hedman has two older brothers – Oscar Hedman, who was also a professional hockey player that played for
Modo Hockey Modo Hockey (or MoDo with uppercase letters) is a professional ice hockey club in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden. The team currently plays in Sweden's second-tier league HockeyAllsvenskan after losing to HV71 after the play out following the 2024/25 se ...
; as well as Johan Hedman, who does not play professionally. As a child, Hedman originally started out playing as a goaltender. He also played hockey on the streets together with his friends, among them, famous iRacing driver Fredrik Sellgren. His father, Olle Hedman, told his son that if he left the net, he would purchase him the new helmet that he coveted. He has not played in goal since that day. Victor said, "I'm thankful for that now. You never know what would have happened otherwise." Hedman's other passions were flying (he has logged eight hours on a
Piper PA-32 The Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six is a series of single-engine, fixed landing gear, light aircraft manufactured in the United States by Piper Aircraft between 1965 and 2007.Plane and Pilot: ''1978 Aircraft Directory'', page 63. Werner & Werner Cor ...
) and
football Football is a family of team sports that involve, to varying degrees, kick (football), kicking a football (ball), ball to score a goal (sports), goal. Unqualified, football (word), the word ''football'' generally means the form of football t ...
. His father said that his son would just outrun everyone on the field. Hedman still plays soccer in the summer and religiously follows the sport. He supports
Premier League The Premier League is a professional association football league in England and the highest level of the English football league system. Contested by 20 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the English Football Lea ...
side
Manchester United Manchester United Football Club, commonly referred to as Man United (often stylised as Man Utd) or simply United, is a professional association football, football club based in Old Trafford (area), Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, Engl ...
. In an article, it was revealed that when quizzed on any player on any Premier League team, he could not be stumped. His dad said that his son "probably knows more about football than hockey". However, "Hedman knew that hockey would be his future, encouraged by some of the game's greats. They'd come back every summer to play for a team called the Icebreakers, inviting Hedman to play." Some notable players on the team included
Peter Forsberg Peter Mattias Forsberg (; born 20 July 1973) is a Swedish former professional ice hockey player and former assistant general manager of Modo Hockey. Nicknamed "Peter the Great" and "Foppa", Forsberg was known for his on-ice vision and physical pl ...
,
Markus Näslund Markus Sten Näslund (born 30 July 1973) is a Swedish former professional ice hockey player and former general manager for Modo Hockey of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL, formerly named Elitserien). He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) ...
,
Henrik Zetterberg Henrik Zetterberg (; born 9 October 1980) is a Swedish former professional ice hockey forward. He played his entire National Hockey League career, from 2002 to 2018, with the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League. Bursting onto the ...
and
Nicklas Bäckström Nicklas Bäckström (; born 23 November 1987) is a Swedish professional ice hockey centre and alternate captain for the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL). Bäckström was selected fourth overall by the Capitals at the 2006 ...
. Hedman said that "looking back at it now, it was an unbelievable experience". In 2014, Hedman started a hockey school in his hometown. The spots in the school sold out in two hours. Hedman said that "to see the thrill in the kids' eyes, it's worth it all". Hedman is from
Örnsköldsvik Örnsköldsvik (; ), often shortened to just Ö-vik, is a Urban areas in Sweden, locality and the seat of Örnsköldsvik Municipality in Västernorrland County, Sweden, with 32,953 inhabitants in 2017. Its natural harbour and archipelago is in th ...
and trains with
Daniel Daniel commonly refers to: * Daniel (given name), a masculine given name and a surname * List of people named Daniel * List of people with surname Daniel * Daniel (biblical figure) * Book of Daniel, a biblical apocalypse, "an account of the acti ...
and
Henrik Sedin Henrik Lars Sedin (born 26 September 1980) is a Swedish ice hockey executive and former centre who played his entire 17-season National Hockey League (NHL) career with the Vancouver Canucks from 2000 to 2018. He additionally served as the Canuc ...
in the off-season. In a 2016 interview with ''
The Hockey News ''The Hockey News'' (''THN'') is a Canadian-based ice hockey magazine. ''The Hockey News'' was founded in 1947 by Ken McKenzie and Will Cote and has since become the most recognized hockey publication in North America. The magazine has a reader ...
'', Hedman revealed that he wears jersey number 77 as a homage to
Ray Bourque Raymond Jean Bourque (born December 28, 1960) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He holds records for most career goals, assists, and points by a defenceman in the National Hockey League (NHL). He won the James Norris Memorial ...
, whom he idolized as a child. In his childhood, Hedman would regularly watch the
Colorado Avalanche The Colorado Avalanche (colloquially known as the Avs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver. The Avalanche compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division in the Western Con ...
, whom Hedman was drawn to because of Swedish hockey legend
Peter Forsberg Peter Mattias Forsberg (; born 20 July 1973) is a Swedish former professional ice hockey player and former assistant general manager of Modo Hockey. Nicknamed "Peter the Great" and "Foppa", Forsberg was known for his on-ice vision and physical pl ...
. Hedman had originally worn the jersey number 41 in Sweden, but when he was drafted by the Lightning, that number was already worn by Mike Smith.


Career statistics


Regular season and playoffs


International


Awards and honours


Notes


References


External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Hedman, Victor 1990 births Living people Barys Astana players Conn Smythe Trophy winners Expatriate ice hockey players in Kazakhstan James Norris Memorial Trophy winners Modo Hockey players National Hockey League All-Stars NHL first-round draft picks Ice hockey people from Örnsköldsvik Stanley Cup champions Swedish expatriate ice hockey players in the United States Swedish expatriate sportspeople in Kazakhstan Swedish ice hockey defencemen 21st-century Swedish sportsmen Tampa Bay Lightning draft picks Tampa Bay Lightning players 4 Nations Face-Off players