Victor Hedman reveals mental health struggle that kept him out of action with Tampa Bay Lightning

TL;DR

Victor Hedman missed over a month of the Tampa Bay Lightning's season due to mental health struggles. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing his mental well-being in a recent statement.

Key points

Victor Hedman missed over a month of play.
Mental health struggles contributed to his absence.
Hedman emphasized the importance of focusing on mental well-being.
He serves as captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Hedman has spent nearly all his career with the Lightning.

Victor HedmanTampa Bay Lightning

Victor Hedman reveals mental health struggle that kept him out of action with Tampa Bay Lightning originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Standout defenseman Victor Hedman didn't play for more than a month at the end of the Tampa Bay Lightning's season.

He revealed in a statement on Tuesday that mental health struggles played a part in his absence.

"I’ve spent most of my life in this game, and nearly all of my career with this organization," Hedman's statement began. "Wearing this jersey — and serving as captain — is the greatest responsibility of my professional life. That responsibility doesn’t only apply on the ice. Over the past couple of months, I made the decision to step away and focus on my mental health. It was not an easy decision, but it was the right one."

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Hedman last played for the Lightning this season on March 19.

He had also represented Sweden at the Olympics, although he was unexpectedly absent later in the tournament for the Swedish team.

Q&A

What mental health issues did Victor Hedman face while with the Lightning?

Victor Hedman did not specify the exact mental health issues he faced, but he acknowledged that they influenced his decision to step away from the game.

How long was Victor Hedman out of action for the Tampa Bay Lightning?

Victor Hedman was out of action for more than a month at the end of the Tampa Bay Lightning's season.

What did Victor Hedman say about his responsibilities as captain?

Victor Hedman stated that serving as captain of the Lightning is the greatest responsibility of his professional life, emphasizing that this responsibility extends beyond the ice.