Victor Hedman Takes On the Role of Lightning’s Captain

TAMPA — Until July 1, Victor Hedman never even considered that he’d become the Lightning’s captain. He would have been content to remain as Robin to Steven Stamkos’ Batman for years to come, until the two future Hall of Famers hung up their skates.

Championship Pillars in Tampa Bay

Together, they served as the pillars of championship hockey in Tampa Bay, players fans were proud to call their own because they watched them grow from teenagers to star players. The two set the building blocks for the winning culture that allowed the Lightning to win back-to-back championships.

Moving Forward without Stamkos

Now, Stamkos is in Nashville, and Hedman stands alone in Tampa Bay, the Lightning’s captain after more than a decade of Stamkos wearing the “C” on his jersey. Hedman no longer will have his best friend next to him on the charter plane, at team dinners, or in a position to hand him the Stanley Cup.

“What we’ve gone through, it’s not going to be easy to get accommodated to that, but at the same time we’ve just got to look forward,” Hedman said this week. “Our friendship is not going to change. We’re not going to be around each other for nine months out of the year, but we still have each other and talk a lot on the phone.

“We’re always going to have that bond with what we did accomplish as teammates. Nothing with that is going to change. But it’s a different start, a new start for us, and for him as well. We’ve just got to do what is best for us, and that is looking forward. Not forgetting about the past but looking forward.”

Conclusion

Victor Hedman faces a new chapter in his career as the Lightning’s captain, following the departure of Steven Stamkos. Despite the changes, their bond and friendship remain strong as they each move forward in their respective roles.

FAQs

Q: How long had Steven Stamkos been the captain of the Lightning?

A: Steven Stamkos had been the Lightning’s captain for over a decade before Victor Hedman took on the role.

Q: How do Victor Hedman and Steven Stamkos plan to maintain their friendship despite being in different locations?

A: They plan to stay in touch through phone calls and cherish the accomplishments they achieved as teammates.