Lightning's Hedman Reveals Mental Health Leave

Tampa, Fla. Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman disclosed Tuesday that he stepped away from the team in recent months to address his mental health, explaining his absence from the final 22 games of the season, including the entire postseason.

Hedman, a 35-year-old defenseman, last played on March 19, leaving a game against the Vancouver Canucks early after reporting illness. The Lightning initially described his leave, which began March 25, as personal reasons. He missed Tampa Bay's seven-game first-round playoff loss to the Montreal Canadiens. Although Hedman rejoined informal skates with teammates in recent weeks, he did not return to the lineup before the season ended.

In a statement released by the team, Hedman said, "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 provided no specifics about his challenges but credited support from...