Victor Hedman’s LTIR Move Forces Tampa Bay to Face a Playoff Reality They’ve Been Avoiding
Photo credit: © Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
After Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman has been put on Long Term Injured Reserve, the team is facing a reality that they've been avoiding for some time.
The Tampa Bay Lightning have not had the services of defenseman and captain Victor Hedman since March 19, and now they're facing a troubling reality.
The Lightning announced today that Hedman has been placed on Long Term Injured Reserve.
GoBolts D Victor Hedman was placed on LTIR. Hopefully he is alright and can return to play when the time is right. Off the ice things always should come first. Thoughts and prayers!
Because of how close the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs are, that's anything but good news for the Lightning.
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Even though the Lightning are getting salary cap relief because of Hedman's being placed on LTIR, we're now weeks past the trade deadline, meaning that the Lightning will not be able to acquire anybody from the outside to take his place.
Their only option right now is to call somebody up from the American Hockey League affiliate Syracuse Crunch.
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Unfortunately, there hasn't been a specific reason beyond "personal reasons" behind Hedman's absence, and so far, the Lightning have not provided one.
Right now, it feels as though Hedman is going through something that is clearly bigger than hockey, but the lack of an update from the Lighting on exactly what it is or a potential timeline of his return are troubling.
Lightning fans can understandably feel a bit nervous at their captain and defensive leader's absence, especially with the playoffs so close.
So far this year, Hedman, who was named the official successor to Steven Stamkos as Lightning captain, has played in 33 games and has 17 points (1G, 16A).
To maximize their chances of going past the first round for the first time since their most recent Stanley Cup win of 2022, they need Hedman in the lineup.
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