Victor Hedman's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Victor Hedman. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

1985: Paul Coffey scored 12 goals

In the 2020 playoffs, Hedman scored ten goals during the playoffs, the third-most by a defenceman during a playoff year in league history, behind only Paul Coffey, who scored 12 goals in 1985.

1994: Brian Leetch scored 11 goals

In the 2020 playoffs, Hedman scored ten goals during the playoffs, the third-most by a defenceman during a playoff year in league history, behind only Brian Leetch, who scored 11 goals in 1994.

1995: Lightning tie record with 62 wins

In the 2018-2019 season, The Lighting won their first Presidents' Trophy as the regular season champions, tying the 1995–96 Detroit Red Wings for a league record of 62 wins in an 82-game season.

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.

2013: Breakout Season

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

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.

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.

January 2017: Hedman named to NHL All-Star Game

On January 10, 2017, Victor Hedman was selected to participate in the 2017 NHL All-Star Game as a member of the Atlantic Division team.

October 2017: Hedman passes Brad Richards in games played

On October 12, 2017, Victor Hedman played his 553rd NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, surpassing Brad Richards for the fifth-most games played in Lightning history. He also tied Dan Boyle for second-most goals by a Lightning defenseman.

January 2018: Hedman named to 2018 NHL All-Star Game

On January 10, 2018, Victor Hedman earned a spot in the 2018 NHL All-Star Game, marking his second selection and making him the only Lightning defenseman with multiple All-Star Game appearances. Due to a knee injury sustained on January 11, he couldn't play, but participated as an assistant equipment manager. Brayden Point replaced him.

December 2018: Hedman records 300th career assist

On December 29, 2018, Victor Hedman achieved his 300th career NHL assist while playing against the Montreal Canadiens, setting up a goal by Nikita Kucherov.

2018: James Norris Memorial Trophy

In 2018, Victor Hedman won the James Norris Memorial Trophy.

January 2019: Hedman becomes Lightning defenseman with most games played

On January 10, 2019, Victor Hedman played his 663rd game for the Lightning in a match against the Carolina Hurricanes, surpassing Pavel Kubina to become the defenseman with the most games played in franchise history.

December 2019: Hedman scores 100th career goal

On December 5, 2019, Victor Hedman scored his 100th career NHL goal in a game against the Minnesota Wild, becoming the first Lightning defenseman to reach this milestone and the seventh Swedish-born defenseman to achieve this feat.

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.

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.

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.

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.