For nearly two decades, Victor Hedman has been one of the defining figures of the Tampa Bay Lightning. The franchise’s longtime defenseman has helped anchor its blue line through some of the most successful years in its history, earning a Norris Trophy in 2018 and a Conn Smythe Trophy in 2020 before helping Tampa Bay secure back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021.

His importance to the organization extends well beyond those accolades. Hedman holds the Lightning franchise records among defensemen for games played (1,164), goals (172), assists (639), and points (811). As captain, he has become one of the most recognizable and respected figures in the locker room. That made his absence last season all the more significant.

After an injury shortened 2025-26 season, Hedman is again looking more like the player the Lightning have relied on for years. While there is still room for improvement, his offensive production and flashes of his familiar playmaking ability suggest that the 35-year-old defenseman could be working his way back toward form.

It is an encouraging development after what was easily the most difficult season of his career.

Hedman’s 2025-26 campaign was derailed by a succession of physical setbacks. After missing 12 games with an undisclosed injury early in the season, he underwent an elbow procedure in December that sidelined him for another 22 games. He subsequently returned for the stretch preceding the Winter Olympics, only to sustain another injury during warmups ahead of Sweden’s quarterfinal matchup against the United States.

The physical setbacks were compounded by struggles away from the ice. On March 25, the Lightning announced that Hedman would take a leave of absence for personal reasons. He ultimately revealed in May that he had stepped away to address his mental health, missing the final 15 games of the regular season and the entirety of the Lightning’s first-round playoff series against Montreal.

Speaking publicly about the decision, Hedman described experiencing performance anxiety that had begun affecting his ability to play. He also credited his family, teammates, former teammate Steven Stamkos and his longtime therapist for helping him through the experience.

“I’ve always believed that being a leader means doing what’s best for the team,” Hedman said in a 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.”

His willingness to discuss those struggles offered a different perspective on the responsibilities that come with being a professional athlete and a team captain. More importantly, Hedman made clear that he was in a much better place heading into the offseason.

There were, however, questions about how Hedman would fit into the Lightning’s defensive rotation. The offseason addition of John Carlson, alongside the continued development of J.J. Moser and Charle-Edouard D’Astous, created additional competition for minutes. With Ryan McDonagh and Erik Cernak also established on the blue line, Hedman’s return did not necessarily guarantee his previous place atop the defensive depth chart.

Initially, Cooper appeared comfortable easing him back into the lineup rather than immediately restoring his former workload. That approach makes sense for a player who had gone nearly six and a half months without appearing in an NHL game.

Even with those limitations, Hedman has begun making his presence felt offensively. Through 16 games, he has recorded four goals and two assists, an encouraging early contribution from a defenseman whose offensive production was particularly diminished last season.

His ability to move the puck remains one of the more promising signs. Hedman has looked more comfortable distributing the puck out of his own zone, particularly with the long stretch passes that have long made him such an effective transition player. He has also shown a willingness to get his shots through traffic and put the puck on net.

There are still some questions about his mobility. He is not quite as quick recovering from turnovers, particularly when caught up ice in the offensive zone. His skating will be worth monitoring as the season progresses, especially considering how important it has historically been to his ability to dictate play.

But it is also worth remembering how much time he missed. Returning to NHL competition after an extended absence, multiple procedures, and a difficult period away from the game is not something that can be measured solely through a handful of early-season performances.

For the Lightning, the objective should be allowing Hedman to regain his rhythm without placing unnecessary expectations on him to immediately shoulder the same responsibilities he carried during their championship years. The team’s defensive depth offers Cooper some flexibility in that regard, even as competition for minutes becomes more complicated with injured players returning.

Hedman does not necessarily need to return to his former workload to become an invaluable part of the Lightning’s blue line again. His vision, passing ability and experience remain significant assets, and his early offensive contributions suggest there is still plenty of hockey left in his game.

It is too early to call this a complete resurgence. But after a season in which Hedman struggled physically and mentally, simply seeing him look comfortable and confident on the ice again is an encouraging development for the Lightning. If his skating continues to improve alongside his offensive game, the Lightning could be getting back a familiar version of one of the most important players in franchise history.