Lightning's Hedman 'not available' for start of playoffs

Tampa Bay captain has missed final 15 games of regular season due to personal leave

Apr. 18, 2026 at 4:41pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Tampa Bay Lightning hockey defenseman in action, their jersey and equipment broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and form.The Lightning's blue line faces a major void with the absence of star defenseman Victor Hedman for the start of the playoffs.Today in Tampa

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman and captain Victor Hedman is 'not available right now' for the start of the Eastern Conference First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, according to head coach Jon Cooper. Hedman has been limited to just 33 games this season due to various injuries and a personal leave of absence since March 25.

Why it matters

Hedman is a key player for the Lightning, having won the Norris Trophy as the NHL's best defenseman in 2017-18 and helping the team win the Stanley Cup in 2020 and 2021. His absence is a significant blow to Tampa Bay's chances of making another deep playoff run.

The details

Hedman last played on March 19 against the Vancouver Canucks, leaving the game in the first period due to an illness. On March 25, the Lightning announced Hedman was taking a leave of absence for personal reasons. The 35-year-old defenseman has 17 points (1 goal, 16 assists) in 33 games this season, missing time earlier in the year due to an undisclosed injury and a procedure on his elbow.

  • Hedman last played on March 19 against the Vancouver Canucks.
  • On March 25, the Lightning announced Hedman was taking a leave of absence.
  • The Lightning open the playoffs against the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday, April 18 at 5:45 p.m. ET.

The players

Victor Hedman

A 35-year-old defenseman and captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning. He is a former Norris Trophy winner (2017-18) and has helped the team win two Stanley Cup championships (2020, 2021).

Jon Cooper

The head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

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What they’re saying

“Victor Hedman is 'not available right now' for the Tampa Bay Lightning entering the Eastern Conference First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.”

— Jon Cooper, Head Coach, Tampa Bay Lightning

What’s next

The Lightning will need to find a way to replace Hedman's production and leadership on the blue line as they begin their playoff run against the Montreal Canadiens. The team has not provided a timeline for Hedman's potential return.

The takeaway

The absence of star defenseman Victor Hedman is a major blow to the Tampa Bay Lightning's chances of making another deep playoff run. Hedman's leadership, two-way play, and Stanley Cup pedigree will be sorely missed as the Lightning try to overcome his personal leave of absence and navigate the opening round of the postseason.