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Jon Cooper provides a frustrating update on Victor Hedman’s status for Game 1


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Tyler Ball
April 18, 2026  (4:43 PM)
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Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (77) shoots the puck against the Detroit Red Wings in the first period at Benchmark International Arena.
Photo credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

This afternoon, Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper spoke to the media and provided a frustrating update on captain Victor Hedman’s status for game one.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have dealt with several major injuries this season that have held them back from full strength over 82 games.
Heading into the playoffs, captain Victor Hedman’s status remained unclear as he deals with an ailment he picked up in late March that cost him the rest of the regular season.
With game one against the Montreal Canadiens on the horizon, head coach Jon Cooper confirmed Hedman is unlikely to play tomorrow.

Jon Cooper provides frustrating injury update on captain Victor Hedman ahead of game one

According to Cooper, Hedman has resumed skating with Tampa and will travel with the team during round one but as of now is unexpected to play.
Jon Cooper with a Victor Hedman update, says the Tampa captain has started skating and is around the team now and will join the Lightning on the road trip to Montreal. But Cooper says he’s not available to play at the moment. That could change at some point but unclear still.
The wording from Cooper in today’s press conference seems to indicate Hedman is not in consideration for the two games in Tampa but could play in game three when the Lightning travel to Montreal.
If the Lightning are going to make a deep run in the playoffs, they will need Hedman to make a quick recovery.
If he misses the entire series for Tampa Bay they could be in danger of a disappointing first round exit.
As more news surfaces regarding Hedman’s injury and recovery we will pass those details along to you.
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Jon Cooper provides a frustrating update on Victor Hedman’s status for Game 1

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