Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Victor Hedman

How Victor Hedman built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Victor Hedman is a Swedish professional ice hockey defenseman and captain for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the NHL. Drafted second overall by Tampa Bay in 2009, Hedman made his NHL debut the same year and has been a cornerstone of their defense ever since. Known for his size, skating ability, and hockey sense, Hedman has become one of the NHL's premier defensemen. He has won the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the league's best defenseman and has played a crucial role in the Lightning's Stanley Cup victories. Hedman is also a prominent player for the Swedish national team in international competitions.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2006: Joins Modo Hockey

In 2006, Victor Hedman began his junior ice hockey career in the Swedish J20 SuperElit with the Modo Hockey organization.

2007: Playoff Spot

In 2007, Victor Hedman helped the Lightning clinch a playoff spot for the first time.

2008: Ranked First Overall

At the beginning of the 2008-09 season, Victor Hedman was ranked first overall amongst all draft-eligible skaters in the International Scouting Services' preliminary rankings.

2008: World Junior Championships

In 2008, Victor Hedman played for Sweden at the World Junior Championships, helping the team to a silver medal after losing to Canada 3–2 in the final. He was also selected to the tournament All-Star Team.

June 2009: Drafted by Spartak Moscow

On June 1, 2009, Victor Hedman was drafted 83rd overall by Spartak Moscow of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).

October 2009: NHL Debut

On October 3, 2009, Victor Hedman made his NHL debut for the Lightning against the Atlanta Thrashers, registering his first point with an assist on a goal by Martin St. Louis.

2009: World Junior Championships

In 2009, Victor Hedman once again played for Sweden's junior team at the World Junior Championships in Ottawa, earning another silver medal in a 5–1 loss to Canada in the gold-medal game for the second consecutive year.

2009: Drafted by Tampa Bay Lightning

In 2009, Victor Hedman was drafted second overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the NHL entry draft.

2009: NHL Debut

In 2009, Victor Hedman was selected second overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the NHL entry draft and made his NHL debut that year.

2010: NHL Season

In 2010, Victor Hedman played his sophomore NHL season.

April 2011: Stanley Cup Playoff Debut

On April 13, 2011, Victor Hedman made his Stanley Cup playoff debut against the Pittsburgh Penguins. On April 15, he recorded his first career playoff assist and point.

November 2011: Contract Extension with Tampa Bay

On November 29, 2011, Victor Hedman signed a five-year, $20 million contract extension with Tampa Bay.

2011: Playoffs Qualification

In 2011, Victor Hedman helped the Lightning qualify for the playoffs for the first time since.

September 2012: Signs with Barys Astana

On September 25, 2012, it was announced that Victor Hedman signed a contract with Barys Astana of the KHL during the 2012–13 NHL lockout.

January 2013: Returns to NHL

In January 2013, Victor Hedman returned to the NHL after the lockout ended.

2013: Breakout Season

During the 2013–14 season, Victor Hedman had a breakout season, posting a career best in goals, assists and points.

April 2014: First Career Playoff Goal

On April 22, 2014, Victor Hedman scored his first career playoff goal on Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price.

2014: Started Hockey School

In 2014, Victor Hedman started a hockey school in his hometown, which sold out in two hours. This venture shows his commitment to giving back to the community and fostering young talent.

June 2015: Point Leader

On June 6, 2015, after Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals, Victor Hedman secured the spot as the point leader by a Lightning defenseman in a single playoff year. On June 8, he set the Lightning franchise record for most career playoff assists and points by a defenseman.

March 2016: Named to World Cup of Hockey Roster

In March 2016, the Swedish Ice Hockey Association named Victor Hedman to its roster for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, where he was joined by Lightning teammate Anton Strålman, marking his participation in the international tournament.

May 2016: Playoff Assists

On May 20, 2016, Victor Hedman recorded two assists in a playoff game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, moving him past Vincent Lecavalier and Brad Richards for number two all-time in playoff assists with the franchise. On May 24, he became the leader in playoff games played for the Lightning.

July 2016: Hedman re-signs with Lightning

On July 1, 2016, Victor Hedman re-signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning, securing an eight-year contract extension valued at $7.875 million per season.

October 2016: 2016 World Cup of Hockey

In October 2016, Victor Hedman participated in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, held in Toronto. The tournament ran from September 17 to October 1, and Hedman represented the Swedish team, showcasing his skills on an international stage.

April 2017: Named to IIHF World Championship Roster

In April 2017, on April 15, the Swedish Ice Hockey Association named Victor Hedman to its roster for the 2017 IIHF World Championship. Later that month, on April 28, he was named as an assistant captain for the tournament, indicating his leadership role within the team.

August 2020: Hedman shines in 2020 playoffs

In August 2020, during the 2020 playoffs, Victor Hedman achieved several milestones including moving past Vincent Lecavalier for fifth-most points in Lightning playoff history on August 23, moving past Steven Stamkos for fourth-most playoff points on August 25 and scoring the series-clinching goal against the Boston Bruins on August 31. He later won the Conn Smythe Trophy after the Lightning won the Stanley Cup.

2020: Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy

In 2020, Victor Hedman won the Stanley Cup with the Lightning and the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player.

2020: 2020-21 Season

In 2020, playing in the shortened 2020-21 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Victor Hedman recorded nine goals and 36 assists for 46 points in 55 games. He was also a Norris Trophy finalist for the fifth consecutive season.

March 2021: 500th point, Torn Meniscus

In March 2021, specifically on March 16, Victor Hedman recorded his 500th point in a 4–3 overtime win against the Dallas Stars. Later, on March 30, he sustained a torn meniscus in a 3–1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, an injury that would affect him for the remainder of the season and playoffs.

2021: Norris Trophy finalist, Stanley Cup Champion

In 2021, Victor Hedman was a Norris Trophy finalist for the fifth-straight season and won the Stanley Cup with the Lightning, marking a significant triumph in his career.

2021: Second Stanley Cup

In 2021, Victor Hedman won his second consecutive Stanley Cup with the Lightning.

May 2022: Norris Trophy Nomination

In May 2022, on May 9, Victor Hedman was named a Norris Trophy finalist for the sixth consecutive season. This nomination came after finishing the 2021–22 season with career highs in goals (20), assists (65), and points (85), along with a team-high +26 rating, playing in all 82 games for the first time in his career.

2022: 2022-23 Season

In 2022, Victor Hedman participated in the 2022-23 season. During the season he finished with nine goals, 40 assists and 49 points in 76 contests played.

February 2023: 500th Assist

In February 2023, on February 11, Victor Hedman recorded his 500th assist on a goal by Anthony Cirelli in a 3–1 victory over the Dallas Stars, marking him as the 33rd defenceman in NHL history to reach that milestone.

December 2023: 1,000th NHL Game

In December 2023, specifically on December 4, Victor Hedman played his 1,000th NHL game in a 4–0 Lightning win against the Dallas Stars, marking a significant milestone in his NHL career.

July 2024: Contract Extension and Team Captain

In July 2024, specifically on July 2, Victor Hedman signed a four-year, $32 million contract extension with the Lightning. Later, on September 18, he was named captain of the Lightning, becoming the 11th captain in team history.

2024: 2023-24 Season

In 2024, Victor Hedman finished the 2023-24 season playing in 78 games with 13 goals, 63 assists and 76 points followed by a goal and six assists for seven points in all five games of the 2024 playoffs.

January 2025: 600th Career Assist

On January 16, 2025, Victor Hedman recorded his 600th career assist on a goal by Anthony Cirelli in a 4-3 SO win over the Anaheim Ducks, becoming the first player in Lightning history to reach the mark.

2028: Contract Extension Through 2028-29 Season

In 2028, Victor Hedman's four-year contract extension, signed in July 2024, will keep him with the Lightning through the 2028-29 season, marking a long-term commitment to the team.