May 3, 2026, 5:36 p.m. ET
On Sunday night, the Tampa Bay Lightning will fight for their season in a do-or-die Game 7 at home against the Montreal Canadiens. There’s a lot on the line for the experienced Lightning, who haven’t advanced past the first round of the NHL playoffs since a loss to the Colorado Avalanche in the 2022 Stanley Cup Final.
Unfortunately for Tampa Bay, they will still be without one of the key cornerstones on their roster.
According to Lightning head coach Jon Cooper, star defenseman Victor Hedman will not play in Game 7 as he continues to deal with undisclosed personal issues. The Lightning’s No. 1 defenseman last played on March 19th and has been on long-term injured reserve ever since.
At this point, there doesn’t appear to be a concrete timeline for Hedman’s return. However, since his absence is not related to an injury, it stands to reason that Hedman may return to the Tampa Bay lineup at some point in the second round should the team advance. That, however, will obviously be the only way we see Hedman play again this season as he sits out the Lightning’s home Game 7, hoping for a win.
A nine-time All-Star and 2018 Norris Trophy winner, the 35-year-old Hedman also captured the Conn Smythe Trophy after the Lightning’s 2020 Stanley Cup victory.