The Tampa Bay Lightning announced that top defensemen Victor Hedman has sustained an upper-body injury. A timescale for his return has yet to be disclosed.
#TBLightning defenseman Victor Hedman has sustained an upper-body injury and will not return to tonight’s game. #WSHvsTBL
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) March 31, 2019
Victor Hedman Injured
Although unclear, Hedman did not return after the first period against defending champions the Washington Capitals. He sustained the injury after a suspected hit from Capitals’ Carl Hagelin.
So far this season, Hedman is the team’s highest scoring defensemen. He has collected 12 goals and 42 assists for 54 points while being assessed 44 minutes in penalties. His possession numbers were 51.9 percent Corsi and a relative Corsi of 0.9.
Over his decade-long NHL career, the 28-year-old has played loyally for the Lightning. He has achieved 94 goals and 324 assists for 418 career points in 695 career games. He was originally drafted by the Florida based team in the 1st round, 2nd overall in the 2009 NHL draft.
What This Means for the Future
It is difficult to analyze without an official timescale, but he currently is listed as day-to-day. If it becomes a longer-term injury, it could be detrimental for the Lightning’s playoff run. Last season’s Norris Trophy winner has had previous injury concerns, but it is hoped to be only cautionary at this point.
Although the President Trophy winners have had another epic hundred plus point regular season, they fell short in 2017-18 Playoffs. Hedman is not only a key component defensively and offensively for the Lightning but a valuable defensive veteran. This injury, along with Erik Cernak leaving during the same game, could potentially leave Tampa Bay in search of defensive depth.
For now, it seems likely that Hedman will miss Monday night’s game against the Ottawa Senators as well as Tuesday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens. It may make sense to rest Hedman now until the playoffs.
