Victor Hedman Nearing Return as Lightning Eye Stadium Series Showdown
Could the Lightning be getting a major boost just in time for Sunday’s Stadium Series clash against the Bruins at Raymond James Stadium? The possibility of captain Victor Hedman returning to the lineup isn’t off the table - and that’s no small development.
Hedman took the ice with the full group Wednesday for the first time since undergoing right elbow surgery in mid-December. While he was still in a red non-contact jersey, his presence at practice marked a significant step forward in his recovery. And while head coach Jon Cooper didn’t confirm anything, he certainly didn’t shut the door on a potential return.
“Honestly, I’m not ruling anything out,” Cooper said. “It’s the first time he got to participate with the full group.
Those are the baby steps you’ve got to take. But he’s definitely getting closer.”
That’s a big deal for a team that’s been without its cornerstone defenseman for 33 of the past 36 games. When Hedman opted for surgery, the goal was to be ready in time to suit up for Sweden in next month’s Olympic Games. But Cooper had always circled Feb. 1 as a realistic target for a return - and that’s now just days away.
Hedman hasn’t been idle during his rehab. He’s been skating consistently, maintaining his conditioning, and gradually ramping up his on-ice workload. Wednesday’s 50-minute session was his first full practice with the team, and by all accounts, he looked sharp.
“That’s the ultimate goal,” Hedman said of returning before the Olympic break. “Time will tell.
But (Wednesday) was a great step. Had a good session (Tuesday) too with some of the guys and (assistant coach Jeff Halpern).
(Strength coach) Mark (Lambert) has done a phenomenal job on and off the ice of keeping me in great shape. We’ve progressed really well.
I’m super happy - probably in the best shape I’ve been in January, that’s for sure.”
Hedman’s season has been stop-and-start. He missed 12 games from Nov. 8 to Dec. 4, attempted a return, but managed just three games before opting for surgery.
In total, he’s played in only 18 of Tampa Bay’s first 51 contests. Now, he’s eager to get back into the rhythm of game action - something he knows you just can’t replicate in practice.
“I haven’t played a whole lot of games so far this year,” Hedman said. “So, it’s a matter of timing and getting back into that in the beginning.
That’s something you can’t simulate in practice. But my lungs and legs are ready to go.”
He added that his stick work and shooting felt great during practice, though he acknowledged he still needs to get into more physical, game-like situations to feel fully ready. “You can’t simulate everything,” he said.
“You’ve got to get into game action. But we’re on the road towards that, so that’s exciting for me.”
Mentally, just being back on the ice with his teammates has been a welcome change.
“It was a great feeling,” Hedman said. “Just seeing them up close again in practice - it’s been good.”
When Hedman does return, the Lightning will have some interesting decisions to make on the blue line. Tampa Bay’s defense has held strong in his absence, thanks in large part to the emergence of pairings that have found real chemistry.
Hedman began the season on the left side of the top pairing with J.J. Moser.
But with Hedman out, Moser slid over to play alongside Darren Raddysh - and that duo has quietly become one of the best pairings in the league. Raddysh, who stepped into Hedman’s role on the top power-play unit, now leads all NHL defensemen with eight power-play goals.
That’s not just impressive - it’s elite production from the back end.
Meanwhile, Ryan McDonagh - who’s also missed 33 of the last 36 games - is expected to return Thursday against the Jets. He’ll likely reunite with longtime partner Erik Cernak, giving the Lightning a familiar and reliable second pairing.
Rookie Charle-Edouard D’Astous remains on injured reserve but could be back as soon as Sunday. And Emil Lilleberg, another left-shot defenseman, is also working his way back after being sidelined since Dec. 15.
For Hedman, watching the team’s success from the sidelines has been both motivating and reassuring.
“It’s been good, easier when we’ve been on the streak we’ve been,” he said. “The guys have been playing some unbelievable hockey, so it’s given me a lot of motivation.”
The Lightning are already a dangerous team - but getting a healthy, rested, and motivated Victor Hedman back in the mix? That’s the kind of development that could shift the balance in the Eastern Conference as we head into the Olympic break. Whether it’s Sunday under the lights or shortly after, the captain’s return is coming - and it can’t come soon enough.