TAMPA Bay Lightning Signs Victor Hedman to Contract Extension
A day after the Lightning confirmed his greatest good friend the door, they rolled out the blue carpet for defenseman Victor Hedman, signing him to a four-year extension that probably will guarantee he spends the whole lot of his NHL profession with one crew. Entering his sixteenth season this fall, he shall be underneath contract by the 2028-29 season.
Emotional Roller-coaster for Victor Hedman
A roller-coaster previous few days that included huge turnover to the crew’s roster ended with the Lightning protecting certainly one of its personal. Now the franchise’s longest-tenured participant after Steven Stamkos’ departure for Nashville, Hedman is the presumptive favourite to exchange Stamkos because the crew captain.
For Hedman, 33, the occasions of the previous few days had been bittersweet. When the offseason started, he hoped each he and Stamkos would be capable to keep in Tampa Bay for the rest of their careers. The two have been collectively for 15 seasons, grew up collectively and had been the pillars of championship groups in 2020 and 2021.
“Seeing Stammer go shouldn’t be one thing that anybody anticipated and the identical goes for me,” Hedman stated by way of a Zoom name from Sweden on Tuesday afternoon. “We’ve been in fixed contact all through the entire course of and form of knew the place it was main, however we’re all the time going to have one another. …
“At the tip of the day with best-case situation, yeah, we’d love to complete our careers in Tampa collectively. This is hockey, it’s a enterprise on the finish of the day and I strongly admire what Stammer has completed for not simply me however the entire metropolis and group.
“It’s a tragic, unhappy day. And it’s going to be exhausting to think about going into our locker room and going into Amalie Arena and never seeing him on the ice. It’s going to be tremendous, tremendous bizarre.”
Contract Extension and Career Aspirations
Neither Stamkos, who signed with Nashville shortly after free company opened Monday afternoon, nor Marty St. Louis nor Vinny Lecavalier — each of whom have their retired numbers hanging from the Amalie Arena rafters — completed their careers in Tampa Bay. But Hedman may have that chance, receiving the identical contract — 4 years at an $8 million common annual worth — that Stamkos acquired from the Predators; Stamkos’ supply from the Lightning reportedly was within the $3 million vary.
“It means the world to me,” Hedman stated of the prospect of being a profession Lightning participant. “For me, I don’t know anything and I don’t wish to know anything. Tampa has turn into dwelling for us. … I’m simply tremendous proud and excited to hopefully retire a Bolt, however in the beginning, I’m excited in regards to the alternative to attempt (to win) one other Cup.
“We’re tremendous lucky to be in a state of affairs the place we have now nonetheless a extremely, actually good crew. … I’m going to do no matter I can to be pretty much as good as I can each single evening to assist convey one other Cup again to Tampa.”
Victor Hedman’s Legacy and Outstanding Career
Hedman has been the lynchpin of the Tampa Bay protection for a decade and a half since he was drafted No. 2 total in 2009. He is among the league’s prime blueliners yr in and yr out, an exemplary skater with large attain from his 6-foot-7 body. He is a two-time Stanley Cup winner, claiming the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2020 and Norris Trophy because the NHL’s prime defenseman in 2018.
After a rocky 2022-23 season, Hedman rebounded with a 13-goal, 76-point effort — the second-most factors of his profession — displaying he nonetheless has numerous mileage left in one of many recreation’s most physically-demanding roles. He averaged 24:48 of ice time, taking up extra minutes after Mikhail Sergachev broke his left leg following the All-Star break. Hedman quarterbacked the Lightning’s top-ranked power-play unit, was a key piece of their fifth-ranked penalty kill and was plus-18 throughout 5-on-5 play.
Hedman performed in his 1,000th profession recreation with the Lightning this previous season and can go Stamkos’ franchise report of 1,082 with 31 extra video games. Hedman has extra targets (156) than any Lightning defenseman and ranks third in franchise historical past in assists (572) and fifth in factors (728).
Future Leadership Role
Whether he succeeds Stamkos as the following Lightning captain stays to be seen. Stamkos had been the captain since 2014 following the commerce of St. Louis, and Hedman has worn the alternate captain “A” on his jersey for the reason that 2018-19 season. Asked whether or not he would settle for the captaincy, Hedman stated it was “means too early” to debate that.
“I don’t know what to say to that,” Hedman stated. “I have a look at myself as a frontrunner, and I’ve been an alternate captain for a lot of, a few years behind one of the best captain within the recreation. So, we’ll see the place it goes sooner or later. But yeah, it’s been near 24 hours since Stammer left, so I feel it will be disrespectful to him and never truthful to anybody to touch upon that.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, Victor Hedman’s contract extension with the Tampa Bay Lightning marks a big milestone in his profession. His loyalty and dedication to the crew have been unwavering, and his impression on the ice has been immeasurable. As he appears to be like in the direction of the long run, Hedman stays centered on serving to the Lightning safe one other Stanley Cup victory and solidify his legacy as one of many best defensemen in NHL historical past.
FAQs
1. Will Victor Hedman be the following captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning?
As of now, it’s unsure whether or not Victor Hedman shall be named the following captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Given his management qualities and expertise, he’s actually a powerful candidate for the position.
2. How has Victor Hedman’s efficiency been in latest seasons?
Victor Hedman has been a constant performer for the Tampa Bay Lightning, showcasing his defensive prowess and offensive capabilities. Despite challenges, he has continued to excel on the ice.
3. What milestones has Victor Hedman achieved throughout his profession with the Lightning?
Victor Hedman has reached spectacular milestones throughout his time with the Lightning, together with successful two Stanley Cups, incomes particular person awards just like the Conn Smythe and Norris Trophies, and surpassing franchise information in targets, assists, and factors.
