TAMPA, Fla. — Tuesday, Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman released a statement explaining why he stepped away from hockey six weeks ago, saying he needed to take care of his mental health.
The moment came on March 19 in Vancouver, when Hedman took himself out of the game less than 5 minutes in. At the time, no one knew exactly why, or whether it had anything to do with a physical injury. Hedman said he needed to get his mental health in order and wants people to know it is important to recognize when to put yourself first — regardless of timing.
WATCH: Lightning captain Victor Hedman cites mental health as reason for absence
It was announced that Hedman would be taking a leave of absence for personal reasons. Hedman was out through the rest of the season, including the Lightning's playoff series against the Canadiens.
"It's never too late. The mental part is just as important — if not more important — than the physical part," Hedman said Tuesday morning. "Like I said, this game has given me everything, but it takes a toll on you, as well.
Don't sit around with your thoughts, by yourself. Just reach out and get the help you need."
Hedman leaned on current and former teammates while he took time to focus on himself. One of those teammates is forward Nick Paul, who has consistently been the most outspoken about the importance of mental health.
"There's people struggling out there, and it's okay. To get the right help and get who you need," Paul explained. "Whether that's talking to someone, whether it's going to see a therapist. Whatever that may look like for you. I know Heddy's a big mental health advocate himself. It was good for him having the resources that he did and feeling comfortable to do that."
The 35-year-old Hedman said he was ready to return had the Lightning advanced to the second round of the playoffs. He said he is feeling like himself again, and he still knows what the team expects from itself moving forward.
Watch Victor Hedman's full exit interview
"The bottom line for us is we're a hungry team. First round exits isn't what we want," Hedman added. "But yeah, we'll come back, work hard and... get back to work."
Hedman also smiled when he talked about the fact that his therapist knows nothing about hockey, saying it is nice to have a conversation with someone who does not talk to you as just a hockey player.
In his letter, Hedman talked about the responsibility he feels as the captain and how he doesn't take that lightly, on or off the ice.
"I've always believed that being a leader means doing what's best for the team. In this case, it also meant doing what's necessary to take care of myself," Hedman wrote.
Hedman ended the letter, opening the door to more athletes in the NHL and being an advocate for mental health awareness in the sport.
"This is something that exists in our game more than people see. If this moment helps make it easier for others to take care of themselves when they need to, that matters."
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) May 5, 2026
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