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Victor Hedman News & Rumors

Tampa Bay Lightning's Victor Hedman says he's 100 percent, might play Tuesday
March 6
St. Petersburg Times
 
"The Tampa Bay Lightning might get injured defenseman Victor Hedman back for Tuesday's game against the Senators at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. "It's a possibility I can play," Hedman said after a brief skate on Monday. "We'll see how it feels (Tuesday)." Hedman has missed four games with an upper-body injury. Original speculation was Hedman had sustained another concussion, but GM Steve Yzerman said last week that was not that case. Still no word on exactly what was bothering Hedman but after a trip last week to Michigan to see doctors there, he seems ready to go."
Tampa Bay Lightning expects Victor Hedman back from injury Monday
March 4
St. Petersburg Times
 
"The Lightning received encouraging news on D Victor Hedman (upper body) on Saturday. He is expected to return to practice Monday and could play in games next week, head athletic trainer Tommy Mulligan said. On the other hand, veteran D Marc-Andre Bergeron (back) has decided to have surgery, which would likely end his season. Hedman, 21, has missed the past four games. Mulligan said the defenseman saw several doctors last week, including a specialist Friday in Michigan. Though Mulligan wouldn't reveal the specific injury or symptoms, it was not a concussion, he said. Considering Hedman sustained a concussion earlier this season, the 6-foot-6 Swede was pleased with the prognosis. "He's"
Lightning GM Steve Yzerman has slight optimism about Victor Hedman injury prognosis
February 29
St. Petersburg Times
 
"There still is no definitive word on the nature of the injury with which Lightning D Victor Hedman is dealing or how long he will be sidelined. But GM Steve Yzerman said Tuesday "we don't believe it is concussion related" and "I'm hoping" he will play this season." Asked if he could be more specific, Yzerman said he could not because the injury hasn't been officially diagnosed. "I don't want to give you incorrect information," he said. Yzerman did say Hedman, out two games since he was hurt Saturday against the Penguins, might see more doctors but that has yet to be determined."
Lightning's Victor Hedman okay after taking stick in a bad place
February 13
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Lightning D Victor Hedman seemed to be walking perfectly fine. His voice had not gone up an octave. In fact, Hedman on Sunday said he was "fine" after being speared Saturday in his groin area by Sabres RW Zack Kassian. "It was obviously painful," Hedman said. "You just try to get up as soon as you can. "It's one of those spots where it is sensitive." The incident occurred with 7:55 left in the game after Kassian got tied up with Hedman and had his stick between Hedman's legs. After Kassian extricated the stick, he gave Hedman the jab and got two minutes for slashing. "It's something you don't want to see happen on the ice," Hedman said. "I don't know if it was intentional or not. It was"
Back from concussion, Victor Hedman emerging as Tampa Bay Lightning star
February 9
St. Petersburg Times
 
"When Victor Hedman returned to the lineup after missing 13 games because of a concussion, he did not plan to play it safe. The Lightning defenseman was going to hit and be hit, get into traffic, battle for pucks, prove to himself right away he was 100 percent healthy. "I told myself to go out and play hard," Hedman said. "You'd rather be a little too aggressive at the beginning, try to make some hits and play the way I can." It has been only four games, but he might have even taken a step forward. In a season that could be a nonplayoff disappointment for Tampa Bay, Hedman, 21, the No. 2 overall pick of the 2009 draft, is laying the groundwork for future success. "I think this is just the"
Boucher big fan of Hedman's 'monster' game
February 6
Tampa Tribune
 
"After Victor Hedman's first game back from injury, Lightning head coach Guy Boucher described the young defenseman's game as "very good.'' After Hedman's second game, Boucher called him "terrific'' So when the 21-year-old blue liner put in another strong effort in Saturday's 6-3 victory, what way did Boucher use to describe Hedman, who had an assist, five shots on goals, five blocked shots, three hits and was a plus-two? "I was going to use the word machine, but I like the word monster, absolutely,'' Boucher said. "He had a monster game, blocking shots, hitting guys, first on puck, separating players from the puck and taking the puck and skating up with it, getting all kinds of scoring"
Return brings no ill effects for Lightning's Hedman
February 2
Tampa Tribune
 
"In the early morning hours on Wednesday back in his native Sweden, a very interested fan tuned in to watch Lighting defenseman Victor Hedman's return to action. Hedman had missed more than a month with a concussion. So his mother, Elisabeth, watched every minute of Tuesday night's overtime win against the Capitals, partly to watch her son play, but also to make sure he was OK. "My mom was more afraid that I was going to take a hit, and I think she was more happy than me that I went through the game without any injury,'' Hedman said after practice Wednesday. "She called me (Wednesday) morning and said that I looked good, so that was good. I know she watches all the games, but this game"
Hedman likely back as Lightning host Capitals
January 31
Tampa Tribune
 
"After nearly a week off the ice, the Tampa Bay Lightning became reacquainted with each other for a late Monday practice. After ending the All-Star break on a four-game winning streak, the final game before the break with nine players out due to injury, Tampa Bay will face Southeast Division leading Washington Tuesday with a few more healthy bodies back in the lineup. And with a major post-break push required to even consider the chance of reaching the playoffs this season, the healthier the happier for Lightning head coach Guy Boucher. "I know that you can hold on for a while when you have injuries, but you can't hold on forever,'' Boucher said. "It's good to see some guys back for sure."
Hedman aiming for Tuesday return
January 25
Tampa Tribune
 
"The sight of red jerseys roaming the ice Tuesday morning signaled a positive warning sign. Defenseman Victor Hedman, out since sustaining a concussion on Dec. 27, wore a red non-contact jersey and took part in the full morning practice before Tuesday night's game against Columbus. The 21-year-old resumed full workouts over the weekend, both on and off the ice, and he continues to show no symptoms. Though he has yet to be cleared for contact — hence the red practice jersey — there is a chance Hedman could return to the lineup after the All-Star break, against Washington next Tuesday. "I hope so, I want to play games," Hedman said. "Being off the ice is the worst thing. I'm just trying to"
Lightning defense pressured to fill bigger void with Victor Hedman out with concussion
January 2
St. Petersburg Times
 
"There's no doubt D Victor Hedman's indefinite absence due to a concussion leaves a big void on the Lightning blue line. But that doesn't mean it is insurmountable. The other defensemen have stepped up to pick up the slack in the past two games, both wins. "It's a huge (loss), and I think players are answering with their actions," coach Guy Boucher said. "Certainly we don't want 'Heddy' to feel that he's let down the team. It's something other teams … fight through. We've been known to have a lot of character and fight through adversity. That's what we've done since the beginning of the year." With Hedman out and Mattias Ohlund (knees) yet to play this season, it means expanded roles for"
Hedman will be out indefinitely with concussion
January 1
Tampa Tribune
 
"The Lightning have lost top defenseman Victor Hedman indefinitely to a concussion, Tampa Bay general manager Steve Yzerman revealed on Saturday. Hedman left in the first period of Tuesday's victory against Philadelphia after being checked into the boards and did not return with what the team at the time referred to as an upper-body injury. The 21-year-old has been resting since suffering the injury and has yet to begin working out. Until Hedman can pass his baseline test, he will not be allowed to return to the lineup. "It's just day-to-day,'' Yzerman said. "He's just trying to do normal everyday activities right now.''"
Injury to Victor Hedman not clear-cut, coach Guy Boucher says
December 30
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Though D Victor Hedman is listed as day to day with an undisclosed upper-body injury, it doesn't appear he's close to returning to the Lightning lineup. Hedman, who left Tuesday's game against the Flyers after a bad fall into the boards in the first period, hasn't been on the ice with the team or available to the media since. Coach Guy Boucher indicated Thursday that the injury isn't a black-and-white issue with a set timetable for a return. The team plans to evaluate him each day. "It's really hard to say," Boucher said. "I'd love to say he's out for a while and it's clear. It's really day to day." Though Hedman's absence leaves a huge void, the team did get D Matt Gilroy back Thursday"
Victor Hedman likely out vs. Montreal Canadiens; Eric Brewer to play
December 29
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman, who suffered an upper-body injury in the first period Tuesday against the Flyers, is expected to miss tonight's game against the Canadiens and potentially more. Hedman, who fell into the boards, is officially "day to day," though coach Guy Boucher isn't sure how long he'll be out. "I'm going to church, going to light up some candles," Boucher said Wednesday. "Hopefully, it's not too long. He's a good player, and we want him on the ice. But we want to be smart and are going to take the time that we need." The good news for Tampa Bay is defenseman Eric Brewer, who left Tuesday's game temporarily after taking several punches in a second-period fight, is"
Hedman well worth $20 million deal
December 4
Tampa Tribune
 
"Top level defensemen tend to be in high demand. And teams that are fortunate enough to have one on their roster are often reluctant to give them up. So it was a bit of a surprise earlier this week to see and hear some comments questioning whether Lightning D Victor Hedman was worth the five-year, $20 million contract extension the 20-year-old former No. 2 overall pick. On the surface, it seems like a legitimate question since handing over a five-year contract to a player just out of his teen years figures to be a major risk. But what kind of long-term contract is not considered a risk? In fact, how many out there believe that the five-year deal signed by Steven Stamkos this past summer is"
Victor Hedman welcomes pressure of $20 million contract extension
December 3
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Now, Victor Hedman said, perhaps he will buy a house. The Lightning defenseman has rented in the Tampa Bay area since his 2009-10 rookie season. But after signing a five-year, $20 million contract extension that kicks in next season, he said "it would be nice to get a place" for himself and "forever" girlfriend, Sanna Grundberg. "I'm so happy," Hedman said. "I've been walking around with smiles and having trouble sleeping, I'm so happy." It has been a whirlwind few days for the big Swede, who signed Wednesday, let it sink in Thursday and after Friday's practice at the Ice Sports Forum did an extended interview with a Swedish television station that considers him big news back home. Big"
Lightning D Hedman signs 5-year contract extension
December 1
Tampa Tribune
 
"Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman signed a five-year contract extension, the team announced on Wednesday. The extension begins next season and runs through 2016-17. Terms were not disclosed, but according to TSN reporter Bob McKenzie, the deal is worth about $4-million per season."
Hedman wants Sidney Crosby back, too
November 18
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Victor Hedman does not know that it was his hit that gave Sidney Crosby a concussion. Fact is, most observers seem to figure it stemmed from a nasty shot to the head Crosby got from then-Washington center David Steckel four days earlier. Nonetheless, Crosby hasn't played since Hedman checked him from behind in a Jan. 5 game at Consol Energy Center, knocking Crosby's head off the glass. Crosby was diagnosed with a concussion the next day and sat out his 60th consecutive regular-season game Thursday night, when the Penguins visited Tampa Bay. Hedman, a Lightning defenseman, sounds as if he will be nearly as relieved as Crosby when Crosby finally gets medical clearance to resume playing."
Sidney Crosby injury still sticks to Tampa Bay Lightning's Victor Hedman
November 17
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Months after Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby was concussed, Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman said he still heard questions. Even in his native Sweden. "A lot of guys asked me about the hit," Hedman said. "I said, 'It's tough to explain.' I just finished my hit, and that was the end of it for him for that season and the beginning of this season." The hit, Jan. 5 in Pittsburgh, was more a shove from behind — though Hedman did leave his feet — but it was enough that Crosby's head hit the glass. He hasn't played since. The story got new life with word that Crosby, who has been cleared for contact for a month, will not be in the lineup tonight at the St. Pete Times Forum. "You don't want to"
Hedman is getting closer to returning
November 13
Tampa Tribune
 
"Injured Lightning D Victor Hedman took to the ice with the team Saturday morning and appears close to returning from an undisclosed upper-body injury suffered against Chicago on Nov. 4. Despite being ruled out for the weekend, Lightning coach Guy Boucher said Saturday morning that there was a chance Hedman could be ready to face the Blues later in the night. But after a hard skate and being the last one off the ice, Hedman sat at his stall packing his gear in his hockey bag and said he wasn't quite ready to play. "I'm not playing tonight but just getting out there felt good,'' Hedman said. "We wanted to get a practice in and see how it felt, and our main focus right now is to get healthy"
Bolts' Hedman, Malone lost to injury
November 7
Tampa Tribune
 
"Already without veteran D Mattias Ohlund, Tampa Bay played Sunday without D Victor Hedman and lost LW Ryan Malone. Hedman, 20, sustained an undisclosed upper-body injury during Friday night's overtime victory against the Chicago Blackhawks. He did not miss any ice time Friday and took part in warm ups prior to Sunday's afternoon game against Florida before being scratched. Malone played, but left after the second period, also with an upper-body injury. The status for both for Wednesday's game against Philadelphia is uncertain."
Hedman learning to play to his strengths
September 18
Tampa Tribune
 
"Victor Hedman saw Mike Rupp barreling down the right wing side with the puck on his stick and saw an opportunity to make an impact. So the 6-foot-6 Lightning defenseman stepped up looking to separate Rupp from the puck. Whiff . Whoosh . Hedman missed both during the first period of Game 3 of Tampa Bay's first round playoff matchup with Pittsburgh as Rupp slipped past Hedman, puck still on his stick, and zipped a pass over to Aaron Asham to give the Penguins a 2-0 lead in a game eventually won by the Penguins 3-2. That play stood out as one of the few glaring errors made by the 20-year-old former No. 2 overall pick in the 2009 draft during the Lightning's five week run to the Eastern"
League gives no word about discipline for punch by Lucic on Hedman in Game 1
May 16
St. Petersburg Times
 
"There was no indication Sunday that Bruins tough guy Milan Lucic, who leads the playoffs with 43 penalty minutes, will be suspended for his Game 1 punch to the face of Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman. Boston coach Claude Julien was not sympathetic to Tampa Bay coach Guy Boucher's call Saturday for the league to review the incident with 36.7 seconds left. Lucic received a two-minute roughing penalty and 10-minute misconduct."
Lightning's Hedman makes big strides by 'keeping it simple'
May 9
Tampa Tribune
 columnist Martin Fennelly
"They are tough lessons, especially when everyone is watching, when the playoff lights, the first you've been under, are so very bright. But Victor Hedman, the Tampa Bay Lightning's 21-year-old defenseman, has come a long way in his second NHL season. These playoffs are proof. Remember when he was caught in the glare early in the Pittsburgh series? It was Game 3 at the Forum and Hedman missed a center ice check on Mike Rupp, completely whiffed, then didn't get back as Pittsburgh swooped in 2-on-1 for a goal and a 2-0 series lead. The kid looked bad. It can be that way with a young defenseman. Sometimes you look awful lonely when that red light goes on. But since then, like a lot of Bolts"
Injury sidelines Hedman; St. Louis' streak intact
November 5
Tampa Tribune
 
"The Lightning limped into Thursday's late game at Staples Center against the Kings with several players nursing bumps and bruises, leaving Coach Guy Boucher to wonder if he would have a full lineup. Second-year D Victor Hedman was the worst of the bunch, forced to sit out with an unspecified left foot injury suffered in Wednesday night's 3-2 overtime loss at Anaheim. Hedman, who could not put on his shoe when he arrived to the rink, took part in warm-ups but was unable to play. He was being evaluated at game time and was to undergo X-rays. RW Marty St. Louis' consecutive-games streak of 401 was in jeopardy following the morning meeting after he blocked a shot with his left foot Wednesday"
Hedman's time to shine has arrived
October 27
Tampa Tribune
 
"When Lightning coach Guy Boucher first saw Victor Hedman in training camp, his reaction could best be described as tepid. It's not exactly what Boucher wanted from a player expected to be the foundation of the Bolts' defense for the next 10 years."To be honest, when we started the year his puck movement was poor," Boucher said. It was really just a continuation of Hedman's well-chronicled struggles throughout much of his rookie season a year ago. By his own admission, Hedman was trying to force too many things on the ice while still adjusting to the demands of life in the National Hockey League. Listen to Boucher now, though. "He has made tremendous leaps since the beginning of the year."
Victor Hedman refocuses for Tampa Bay Lightning after one-game benching
January 24
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Lightning rookie D Victor Hedman said he benefited from his one-game benching Thursday and returned to the lineup Saturday with new focus. "Mentally, it was good for me to get a look from up top," he said of watching the game against the Maple Leafs from the press box. "It looks so much easier up there. It was good - we had a day off (Friday), too - to clear my mind and think about everything except hockey." Coach Rick Tocchet said the key for Hedman is to improve his decision-making - on when to rush forward and join the attack, when to stay back and avoid getting caught in no man's land. He was confident the break would help Hedman do that. "I think he's really going to respond," Tocchet"
Tampa Bay Lightning rookie defenseman Victor Hedman's growing confidence
January 8
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Victor Hedman said he took no satisfaction in his goal Wednesday against the Sabres. Yes, the end-to-end rush was thrilling. And the wrist shot that beat goaltender Ryan Miller high on the stick side should be required viewing for anyone who has held a hockey stick. But the 5-3 loss at Buffalo's HSBC Arena ruined the mood. "We lost the game and didn't get any points," Hedman said, "so it really doesn't matter much at all." Oh, but it does, because the skating, puck-handling and shooting skills he displayed are a good indication of the potential on which Hedman sits. And after a game lost through individual breakdowns - "bonehead plays," Rick Tocchet called them - the Lightning coach said"
Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman day to day with sore foot
December 18
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Victor Hedman said he wanted to skate pregame Thursday before deciding whether his bruised left foot would allow him play. But the rookie defenseman never got on the ice. Steve Downie also was held out. The right wing smashed his head on the ice Tuesday when he slipped and fell throwing a punch at Nashville's Shea Weber. F Jeff Halpern left against the Red Wings in the third period and needed 12 stitches in his mouth after he was hit by a puck. Hedman, 18, was hurt during Wednesday's practice when hit by a shot from D Kurtis Foster. Listed as day to day, he said the foot is more painful than expected. "It's very close, but it's also uncomfortable," he said before the game. "If I don't feel"
Hedman misses second game
December 18
Tampa Tribune
 
"Rookie D Victor Hedman did not want to sit out Thursday's game. But after a brief skate in the morning, the No. 2 overall pick - who will celebrate his 19th birthday today - didn't make it out for warmups and missed his second game of the season. In addition, RW Steve Downie sat out with a bruise below his left eye after his face hit the ice during a fight Tuesday in Nashville. Downie said Thursday he had no problems with vision or anything and felt good, but is listed as day-to-day. Hedman, meanwhile, suffered a bruise on his left foot during practice Wednesday when he was hit by a shot by D Kurtis Foster. Hedman was limping noticeably Wednesday, but he was getting around better Thursday,"
Lightning rookie Victor Hedman enjoys first career goal
December 6
St. Petersburg Times
 
"You can excuse rookie D Victor Hedman for his spirited celebration after his third-period goal. It was the first goal of his NHL career, so it didn't matter that the tally came late in a 4-0 victory Saturday over the Islanders. The 6-foot-6 Swede had waited 27 games to reach the milestone, so he was going to soak it in with what C Jeff Halpern dubbed a "soccer-style" celebration. "It feels pretty awesome," Hedman said. Then he smiled. "Let's hope it doesn't take 28 games to get my next one." The goal came in a matchup with the 2009 No. 1 overall draft pick, Islanders C John Tavares, the league's top-scoring rookie. He was picked one spot ahead of the Lightning rookie. Hedman, 18, scored"
Rookie going great Gunns
November 26
Toronto Sun
 
"Victor Hedman, the No. 2 overall pick in last spring's NHL entry draft, is certainly a big deal for hockey fans here on the Gulf Coast. But last night, Hedman was upstaged by a fellow Swedish rookie defenceman -- Carl Gunnarsson -- who, in just six career games, is fighting his way to becoming a top four on the Maple Leafs blue line. Paired with Francois Beauchemin during the Leafs' 4-3 win over Tampa last night, the 23-year-old logged 24:26 of ice time -- second most on the team -- earned three assists, was a plus-3 and impressed his new defence partner"
Hedman skates for first time since concussion
November 11
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Victor Hedman practiced Monday at the Ice Sports Forum and was to see a doctor to determine if his brain activity is normal. The Lightning defenseman had not skated since sustaining a mild concussion Thursday from a ferocious check from Ottawa's Chris Neil. But even if all signs are good, coach Rick Tocchet said, Hedman may not play Thursday against the Wild. "I'd take the safer side if he felt pretty good," Tocchet said. "To me, he would have to feel real good. I don't know if pretty good will get him in the lineup, especially at this stage of his career and this stage of the season. If it was April, playoff game, pretty good might be enough." Hedman, 18, second on the team with an"
Hedman skates for first time since concussion
November 10
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Victor Hedman practiced Monday at the Ice Sports Forum and was to see a doctor to determine if his brain activity is normal. The Lightning defenseman had not skated since sustaining a mild concussion Thursday from a ferocious check from Ottawa's Chris Neil. But even if all signs are good, coach Rick Tocchet said, Hedman may not play Thursday against the Wild. "I'd take the safer side if he felt pretty good," Tocchet said. "To me, he would have to feel real good. I don't know if pretty good will get him in the lineup, especially at this stage of his career and this stage of the season. If it was April, playoff game, pretty good might be enough." Hedman, 18, second on the team with an"
Hedman has concussion, says hit from Neil was clean
November 7
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Tampa Bay Lightning rookie defenseman Victor Hedman will not play in Saturday's game with the Canadiens because of a concussion sustained in Thursday's game with the Senators on a brutal hit by Ottawa's Chris Neil. Hedman's next chance to play will be Thursday at home against the Wild, but coach Rick Tocchet said he could not say for sure if Hedman will be ready, and that the team will be very cautious. "Back in the day you'd throw water on your back and go out," Tocchet said. "But now, with those lingering effects you just have to be very careful. You got to make sure. Lucky that's his first one, and hopefully it's just a mild concussion. It's one of those things you've got to go through"
Hedman out with mild concussion
November 7
Tampa Tribune
 
"Victor Hedman had his fair share of well-wishers show up at Bell Centre on Friday, a day after the rookie defenseman took a vicious hit from Ottawa winger Chris Neil. As Hedman sat in the stands watching his teammates go through practice, players from the Swedish national junior team filed into the stands to exchange handshakes and hugs with their longtime teammate. For Hedman, however, he would rather have been on the ice putting on a show. Instead, the 6-foot-6 blue liner must sit out tonight's game against Montreal and may not be ready to play when Tampa Bay returns to the ice Thursday against Minnesota. While he said he is feeling fine and has no lingering effects from the hit"
Victor Hedman hurt in Lightning Loss
November 6
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman was on his back behind his goal line, and teammate Steve Downie was fighting Ottawa tough guy Chris Neil in his defense. Tampa Bay fell 3-2 in overtime Thursday night at Scotiabank Place, but the result seemed secondary after Hedman, 18, Tampa Bay's prized rookie, left the game in the second period and did not return after Neil crushed him on a play that, depending on who was speaking, either was defended or condemned. Lightning coach Rick Tocchet, after saying he believes Hedman is "okay" and calling him day to day, said the hit was clean. So did Neil: "I got my shoulder right in his chest. He's like 8 feet tall (actually 6-6), so it's not like I could"
'09 top draft picks make the cut, staying in NHL
October 29
NHL.com
 
"Six players taken in the 2009 Entry Draft made their NHL team's opening-night roster. Making the League is one thing; staying there is another. But for the special six from this June's draft, they all passed their first major test. John Tavares (No. 1, Islanders), Victor Hedman (No. 2, Lightning), Matt Duchene (No. 3, Colorado), Evander Kane (No. 4, Thrashers), Dmitry Kulikov (No. 14, Panthers) and Ryan O'Reilly (No. 33, Avalanche) haven't all passed the 10-game threshold, but all have been told that they should look into permanent housing. Teams have nine games to evaluate their teenage prospects before having to make a decision on whether to keep them -- and activate their entry-level"
Victor Hedman proves he belongs in the NHL
October 10
St. Petersburg Times
 
"The pass was one thing; crisp, accurate, cross-ice and right on the stick of Todd Fedoruk, who was in perfect position to score. But truly impressive was the way Lightning rookie defenseman Victor Hedman developed the play; rushing end-to-end while shielding the puck from a defender until spotting his teammate in the offensive zone. The goal, which gave Tampa Bay a 3-2 third-period lead Thursday at the St. Pete Times Forum, ultimately was a footnote in a 4-3 shootout loss to the Devils. But it was Hedman's first spotlight play in a career many predict will include stardom. "As a coach, you don't want to look in the future too much," coach Rick Tocchet said. "But he does all the things and"
Rookie Hedman draws attention
October 4
Tampa Tribune
 
"Even without a single NHL game under his belt heading into Saturday, Tampa Bay rookie D Victor Hedman already might be a big star in his native Sweden. A film crew from Sweden followed the 18-year-old around Atlanta last weekend, returned to Philips Arena for Hedman's first career game and will be on hand Thursday when the Lightning play their home opener against New Jersey. It likely won't take long for Hedman to be a star on this side of the Atlantic Ocean. "He's just one of those big guys that can skate," Lightning coach Rick Tocchet said. "When you can have a defensemen that's big, can skate like that and with his poise, those are very few in the NHL and he's one of them." During the"
Lightning rookie Hedman getting praise
September 22
Tampa Tribune
 
"After consecutive games in which D Victor Hedman logged more than 54 minutes of combined ice time, Lightning coach Rick Tocchet gave the second overall pick in the draft a night off Monday. When the games start to count, however, it's unlikely Hedman will take any nights off, according to Tocchet. And considering the praise and rave reviews Hedman is already receiving after two preseason games, he might turn out to be among the best to ever suit up in a Lightning uniform. "For a 19-year-old, how poised he is, he's the real deal," Tocchet said. "There are things we have to work with him on and polish him up in certain aspects; we're ecstatic to have this guy." While Tocchet said he didn't"
Lightning's Hedman signs standard rookie contract
July 9
Tampa Tribune
 
"Tampa Bay Lightning defeseman Victor Hedman suited up for his new organization for the first time this morning. By mid-afternoon, he was officially a member of the team. Tampa Bay signed Hedman, the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, to a standard three-year, entry-level contract that runs through the end of the 2011-12 season. Hedman will make the rookie maximum base salary of $900,000 but is eligible for performance bonuses that push his salary cap hit to $3.75 million. We are thrilled to be able to take this next step with Victor today," general manager Brian Lawton said in a statement. "He has a bright future and we intend on him being a member of the Lightning for a long time. We are"