Victor Hedman reveals mental health struggle that kept him out of action with Tampa Bay Lightning originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Standout defenseman Victor Hedman didn’t play for more than a month at the end of the Tampa Bay Lightning‘s season.
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He revealed in a statement on Tuesday that mental health struggles played a part in his absence.
“I’ve spent most of my life in this game, and nearly all of my career with this organization,” Hedman’s statement began. “Wearing this jersey — and serving as captain — is the greatest responsibility of my professional life. That responsibility doesn’t only apply on the ice. Over the past couple of months, I made the decision to step away and focus on my mental health. It was not an easy decision, but it was the right one.”
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Hedman last played for the Lightning this season on March 19.
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He had also represented Sweden at the Olympics, although he was unexpectedly absent later in the tournament for the Swedish team.
The 35-year old defenseman has played 1,164 NHL games, all for the Lightning, and has 172 goals and 639 assists for 811 points.
He remains one of Tampa Bay‘s most important players on the ice, but this was bigger than hockey for him.
“I’ve always believed that being a leader means doing what’s best for the team,” Hedman said in his statement. “In this case, it also meant doing what was necessary to take care of myself, so I can be the best player, teammate, husband and father I expect to be. I’ve been fortunate to have strong support from my family, my teammates and the organization, my therapist and I’m in a much better place today.”
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The Lightning’s season ended in the first round of the playoffs in a Game 7 loss to the Montreal Canadiens.
Hedman has now chosen to speak out and share his message.
“This is something that exists in our game more than people see,” Hedman said as part of the end of his statement. “If this moment helps make it easier for others to take care of themselves when they need to, that matters. I’m proud of this team, and I look forward to what’s ahead.”
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