If nothing else, at least now the Tampa Bay Lightning have some clarity as to their captain, Victor Hedman. On Friday, the team announced that the soon-to-be 35-year-old defenseman would undergo elbow surgery on Monday in order to repair an injury that has kept him sidelined for a long stretch of time starting in early November.
For The Big Swede, the timeline places him back in competitive action in early February (possibly in time for the Stadium Series game against Boston), but more likely in time for the Olympics. While that might not be reassuring to Lightning fans who have to ponder life without a defenseman that has put up 12 points (all assists) in 18 games, there is no doubt that representing Sweden is very important for Hedman.
While Hedman has represented his native country at virtually every level internationally, he’s never had the honor of playing for Sweden at the Olympic Games, and after getting named to the initial roster back in June referred to it as a “dream come true” during an informal Olympic meeting back in August.
He knows that this could be his last and best chance to don the Tre Kroner sweater at the Olympics,
“There are many here today who never got the chance to play in an Olympics; it is really not something you take for granted. For me it’s probably the last chance since I am getting older.”
He’s secured his place in Sweden’s top echelon of international players as he’s been part of teams that have medaled at every level, from the Hlinka Gretzky Cup (gold) to the Under-20s (two silvers) to the World Championships (two bronzes). He’ll definitely be focused to be ready for his one shot at Olympic glory to complete the trophy case.
As for the Lightning, at least know they have a time frame as to how long he will be out. He missed twelve games following the injury suffered in a November 8th match against the Washington Capitals. Hedman returned for two games over the weekend as the Lightning eased him into the line-up against the Islanders and Maple Leafs. A staple to be on the ice more than 20 minutes a night, the Lightning controlled his time as he appeared in less than 18 minutes in both games. Against Montreal, he played just 6:14, leaving in the first period after he aggravated the injury.
It’s a rare long-term injury for the longest-tenured Bolt, who has a franchise leading 1149 regular season games played over his 17-season career. The 12 games he missed this season is the longest stretch he’s had since a lower-body injury took him out for several weeks in the 2018-19 season. He’s missed a few games here and there, but has been remarkably durable for a 6’6″, 244 lb. defenseman who logs a ton of minutes.
While Hedman has been producing points at his usual rate, it hasn’t been the best defensive season for him, and even before his injury, he was seeing a little less time at 5v5 than he had been throughout most of his career.
While he rehabs, the Lightning will likely move J.J. Moser back over to the left-side on the top pairing, a spot he flourished at while Hedman and Ryan McDonagh were out of the line-up. Darren Raddysh will stay on the top power play unit with Charle-Edouard D’Astous taking the helm on the second unit. Hedman’s absence also keeps D’Astous on the second pairing, most likely with Emil Lilleberg.
The bright side of the injury is that it will take roughly two-plus months of wear-and-tear off of Hedman’s plate this season. With the condensed schedule over the last two seasons, that’s notable, especially as he barrels toward the later stages of his career. Missing time now should, in theory, keep him fresher for a playoff push.
In other news, the Lightning loaned Jack Finley to Syracuse on a conditioning assignment. That allows him to get game action in without the team having to expose him to waivers. The CBA does limit these types of loans to 14 consecutive days, and it’s not apparent if the Lightning intend for him to stay there the whole time or if they will bring him back sooner. It appears Dominic James is close to returning to the line-up. The rookie has been out of action since December 6th.
