Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman is taking a temporary leave of absence for personal reasons, the team announced Wednesday. The Swedish defenseman, 35, has spent all 17 NHL seasons with the Lightning, including back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021. A two-time Stanley Cup Final participant, Hedman won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2020.

Hedman’s absence follows a season disrupted by injury. He missed November, December, and January due to an elbow injury requiring surgery. He returned to the lineup in early February and represented Sweden at the Milan-Cortina Olympics. Despite the setback, he remains a cornerstone for the playoff-bound Lightning, averaging 19 minutes of ice time per game while contributing 1 goal and 16 assists in 33 games.

The team emphasized respecting Hedman’s privacy, offering no further details. His absence raises questions about depth at defense, though the Lightning remain a top Eastern Conference contender. Hedman’s leadership and offensive production—highlighted by his 2020 Conn Smythe win—underscore his irreplaceable role.

With the playoffs approaching, the Lightning will rely on veterans like Hedman to navigate a competitive division. His temporary absence tests the team’s resilience, but his prior durability and recent form suggest a swift return could bolster their postseason push.