Injuries limited Victor Hedman’s production when he was on the ice during the 2025-26 season. A season after finishing fifth in the Norris Trophy voting, the Tampa Bay Lightning’s captain experienced the worst season of his career, playing in 33…
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman has taken on a reduced third-pairing role through the first six games of the 2026-27 season. After a difficult 2025-26 campaign limited by injuries and mental health struggles to just 33 games, the 35-year-old captain reported to training camp 16 pounds lighter at 229 pounds.
Justin G of Raw Charge notes that coach Jon Cooper has primarily deployed Hedman as a seventh defenseman in an 11-forward, seven-defenseman rotation, averaging 10:41 of five-on-five ice time. Despite the limited minutes, the Lightning hold significant advantages in shot attempts, expected goals, and scoring chances when Hedman is on the ice.
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