Victor Hedman reveals that he has suffered from performance anxiety

Vincent Larue
Victor Hedman reveals that he has suffered from performance anxiety
Credit: Mark LoMoglio/NHLI via Getty Images

We knew Victor Hedman wasn't doing well.

Now we have a much better idea of just how bad it was.

The Lightning captain revealed this past spring that he had taken a step back from the team to focus on his mental health. My colleague actually covered the topic back in May on DLC.

But Hedman has just added an important layer to his story.

In an interview with Dan Rosen, a reporter for NHL.com, the defenseman revealed that he was struggling with performance anxiety.

And it would hit him right on game days.

“It wasn't that I was depressed, but it was performance anxiety—a kind of pressure in my chest first thing in the morning on game days. It paralyzed me.” – Victor Hedman

That's quite a striking statement.

After all, we're talking about Victor Hedman.

A guy who's won two Stanley Cups, a Norris Trophy, and is about to start his 18th season in the NHL.

It just goes to show that it can happen to anyone.

Despite all that experience, Hedman could no longer handle his mistakes the way he used to. A rough stretch would linger in his mind instead of being quickly forgotten.

His physical condition certainly didn't help his mental state either.

Hedman had undergone elbow surgery earlier in the season, and upon his return, something still wasn't quite right.

“With my elbow, I felt like I was a step behind the play.” – Victor Hedman

He also explained that his skating—normally one of his greatest strengths—was no longer at the level he was used to.

In short, everything was piling up.

On March 19 against the Canucks, the Swedish defenseman ultimately played just six shifts for a meager total of 4:44. That would be his last game of the season.

He knew full well that his decision to leave the team could be criticized, especially since it ultimately lasted into the playoffs. I think the Lightning would have loved to have him against the Habs.

But when a player of Hedman's caliber comes to the conclusion that he's no longer helping his team, something is clearly wrong.

A few months later, he has absolutely no regrets.

The veteran says he's now in good physical and mental health. He says he's rested and motivated to get back in the game.

So Tampa Bay will have its captain back this season.

But above all—and most importantly—Hedman finally seems to have rediscovered Victor Hedman.


In a nutshell

– Bronze medal for the Canadian.

– Dante Sealy returns to CF Montreal.

– Enjoy the read.

– Yup.

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