Victor Hedman opens up about his mental health challenges

Charles-Alexis Brisebois
Victor Hedman opens up about his mental health challenges
Credit: Mark LoMoglio/NHLI via Getty Images

Victor Hedman's last game of the season was on March 19.

We saw during the series against the Canadiens that he was nearing a return to action. That said, he wasn't able to help his team, which lost in seven games in the first round.

Jon Cooper even said he was close to returning toward the end of the series.

But now the Lightning captain has shed light on the situation surrounding him. He admitted that what kept him on the sidelines was a matter of mental health.

According to him, it wasn't an easy decision, but it was the right one.

Taking care of himself (and his family) meant, at that point, stepping away from the game. In his view, knowing when to stop is also about looking out for the Lightning organization.

It's worth noting that he had the support of his club throughout all of this.

Seeing a man like him—the captain of a mature team aiming for the top honors—take a break can undoubtedly raise awareness about the dangers of neglecting one's mental health.

It's an injury just like a torn knee or a concussion. It needs to be taken care of, and that's what the defenseman chose to do.

I wonder if seeing an NHL star take a break will encourage other players to seek help. After all, even though it's becoming more common, there must still be some who hold onto an older mindset.

Good luck to Victor Hedman, in any case.


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– Yes.

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