Victor Hedman might be inching toward a return just in time for one of the NHL’s marquee events - and the timing couldn’t be more fitting. The Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman, who’s been sidelined since Dec. 9, is eyeing a potential comeback for the 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series against the Boston Bruins at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 1.
It’s a big stage for a big-time player, and Hedman knows it. “That’s been a big motivation throughout this whole process,” he said Thursday.
“But at the same time, there’s a long season still left.” That balance - urgency without rushing - is key for a veteran like Hedman, especially with so much on the horizon for both his team and his country.
Hedman remains on injured reserve, but he’s trending in the right direction. He skated with the team for a second straight day Thursday, taking part in the morning skate ahead of Tampa Bay’s home matchup with the Winnipeg Jets.
That’s two consecutive practices in a regular jersey, signaling real progress since undergoing elbow surgery on Dec. 15.
He originally exited the lineup after an injury suffered in a Dec. 9 win over the Montreal Canadiens.
For now, Hedman’s return remains a day-to-day situation. “I’ll take it day by day,” he said.
“And see what the training staff says.” But make no mistake - the Stadium Series is circled on his calendar.
And it’s not just another game. This outdoor tilt marks a milestone for the Lightning franchise: their first-ever outdoor game and only the second outdoor NHL contest ever played in Florida.
With the backdrop of Raymond James Stadium, home of the NFL’s Buccaneers, and a forecast calling for brisk, hockey-friendly weather in the low 40s, the atmosphere promises to be electric. Around 70,000 fans are expected to pack the stadium for the 6:30 p.m.
ET puck drop.
If Hedman does suit up, it would be a welcome boost for a Lightning team that’s been rolling even without him. Before going down, the 35-year-old had notched 12 assists in 18 games, logging over 21 minutes per night. He hadn’t scored, but his presence on the back end - his poise, his puck movement, his ability to control the pace - has always gone beyond the stat sheet.
Since Hedman’s injury, Tampa Bay hasn’t missed a beat. The Lightning have surged to a 34-14-4 record, going 17-3-2 in the stretch without their star defenseman.
They’ve been especially hot in the new year, posting an 11-1-1 mark since Jan. 1.
That run has them sitting atop the Eastern Conference with 72 points, two ahead of the Detroit Red Wings and seven behind the Colorado Avalanche for the league’s top spot.
But Hedman’s return isn’t just about shoring up the Lightning’s blue line. It also carries major implications for the international stage.
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina are just around the corner, and Hedman is expected to anchor Team Sweden’s defense. Sweden opens Olympic play on Feb. 11 against host Italy, with the gold medal game set for Feb.
- The NHL will pause for the Olympic break after two more games following the Stadium Series, so any ice time before then is crucial for Hedman to get back up to speed.
Bottom line: Hedman’s comeback is about more than one night under the lights in Tampa. It’s about a veteran leader pushing to rejoin a surging team, a country counting on his experience, and a player who’s built a career on rising to the moment - potentially doing it again, just in time for the biggest stages.