RIDE THE LIGHTNING

AFTER A SUMMER OF CHANGE IN TAMPA BAY, MAINSTAY VICTOR HEDMAN IS READY TO TAKE THE LEADERSHIP TORCH

BY DILLON COLLINS

IN MANY WAYS, VICTOR Hedman was born to be a Bolt. Imposing, explosive and unrelenting in his pursuit of greatness, the 6-foot-7, 245-pound defenseman has been everything and more for the Tampa Bay Lightning since the club drafted him second overall in 2009. Hedman is a six-time Norris Trophy finalist (winning the award in 2018), a six-time all-star, a two-time Stanley Cup champion and the 2020 Conn Smythe Trophy winner. Now 33, he continues to be one of the game’s absolute best on the blueline. But in seasons of change, there are no certainties, and nothing is more sure than that there is no sure thing. The Lightning’s dynastic core experienced a shock to the system this summer with the departure of longtime captain and franchise ace Steven Stamkos, the team’s all-time…

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The Hockey News (Digital) - 1 Issue, Yearbook 2024-25

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