Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman revealed Tuesday that he missed the team’s final 15 regular-season games and the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs while tending to his mental health.

Hedman last suited up for the Lightning on March 19 before taking a temporary leave of absence. He returned to practice throughout Tampa’s first-round series with the Montreal Canadiens but didn’t play in any games before the Lightning were eliminated in Game 7 on Sunday.

The 35-year-old defenseman detailed the circumstances around his absence in a statement released by the Lightning, saying he hoped it might help others take care of their mental health. He also said he’s in a “much better place” now.

“Wearing this jersey — and serving as captain — is the greatest responsibility of my professional life,” Hedman said. “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. I’ve always believed that being a leader means doing what’s best for the team.

“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.”

Hedman has been one of the NHL’s top defensemen for a decade, winning the Norris Trophy in 2018 and Conn Smythe Trophy in 2020. He twice won the Stanley Cup with the Lightning.

However, he endured a difficult 2025-26 season, battling an elbow injury that eventually required surgery before returning just ahead of the Milan Olympics, where he sat out the quarterfinal game due to a lower-body injury as Sweden was eliminated. He played just 33 games for the Lightning, registering one goal and 17 points.

Hedman has three years remaining on his contract and sounded hopeful about the future.

“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,” Hedman said. “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.

“I’m proud of this team, and I look forward to what’s ahead.”