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Stanley Cup playoffs daily: What to watch in Sunday's four Game 1s
What to watch in Sunday's four Game 1s of the Stanley Cup playoffs
ESPN News1 min read
NHLInjury Update
When is Victor Hedman coming back? Lightning injury news provides return timeline update in playoffs
TL;DR
Victor Hedman will not play in the Tampa Bay Lightning's playoff opener against the Montreal Canadiens. He has been sidelined since March 19 due to injury.
Key points
- Victor Hedman is out for the Lightning's playoff opener.
- He hasn't played since March 19 due to injury.
- Hedman has struggled with injuries throughout the season.
Tampa Bay LightningMontreal CanadiensVictor Hedman
When is Victor Hedman coming back? Lightning injury news provides return timeline update in playoffs originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Tampa Bay Lightning open their 2026 playoff journey on Sunday against the Montreal Canadiens.
They'll be doing so without their captain, Victor Hedman.
Hedman hasn't played in exactly a month, dating back to March 19 when he had just six shifts before exiting action and not returning.
It's been a rocky season for Hedman, who also dealt with injury before and during the Olympics.
Tampa Bay is a perennial winner with high hopes entering the postseason, but things are certainly tougher without Hedman on the ice.
MORE:Kirill Kaprizov broke a Wayne Gretzky NHL record
When is Victor Hedman coming back?
The timeline on a Hedman return remains unclear.
This is what The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun wrote on X:
"Jon Cooper with a Victor Hedman update, says the Tampa captain has started skating and is around the team now and will join the Lightning on the road trip to Montreal. But Cooper says he’s not available to play at the moment. That could change at some point but unclear still."
Q&A
What is the latest update on Victor Hedman's injury status?
Victor Hedman is currently sidelined and will not play in the Lightning's playoff opener against the Canadiens.
When did Victor Hedman last play before his injury?
Victor Hedman last played on March 19, where he had only six shifts before leaving the game.
How has Victor Hedman's season been affected by injuries?
Victor Hedman has faced a challenging season, dealing with injuries both before and during the Olympics.
