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 in the NHL. Drafted second overall by Tampa Bay in 2009, he debuted in the NHL the same year. A cornerstone of the Lightning's defense, Hedman is known for his size, skating ability, and two-way play.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2008: Ranked first overall

At the beginning of the 2008 season, Victor Hedman was ranked first overall amongst all draft-eligible skaters in the International Scouting Services' preliminary rankings and was nominated as the SHL Rookie of the Year.

June 2015: Stanley Cup Finals

On June 6, 2015, after Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Chicago Blackhawks, Victor Hedman had recorded two points with two assists to secure the spot as the point leader by a Lightning defencemen in a single playoff year and on June 8, during Game 3 of the Finals, Hedman recorded assists to set the Lightning franchise record for most career playoff assists and points by a defenceman.

May 2016: Playoff Assists Record

On May 20, 2016, Victor Hedman recorded two assists in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals, moving past Vincent Lecavalier and Brad Richards for number two all-time in playoff assists with the franchise and on May 24, Hedman played his 64th career playoff game to become the leader in playoff games played for the Lightning.

January 2017: Named to NHL All-Star Game

In January 2017, specifically on the 10th, Victor Hedman was named to the 2017 NHL All-Star Game as a member of the Atlantic Division team.

October 2017: Milestone NHL Game and Goal

On October 12, 2017, Victor Hedman played his 553rd NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, surpassing Brad Richards for fifth-most games played in Lightning history. That same night, he scored his 66th career NHL goal, tying Dan Boyle for second-most goals by a Lightning defenseman.

January 2018: Named to NHL All-Star Game

In January 2018, on the 10th, Victor Hedman was named to the 2018 NHL All-Star Game, marking his second selection and making him the only defenseman in Lightning history to be named to multiple All-Star Games. Due to a knee injury suffered on January 11, he was replaced by teammate Brayden Point, but still participated as an assistant equipment manager.

December 2018: Recorded 300th career NHL assist

On December 29, 2018, Victor Hedman achieved his 300th career NHL assist on a goal by Nikita Kucherov against the Montreal Canadiens, marking a significant milestone in his career.

2018: James Norris Memorial Trophy

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

January 2019: Most Games Played by a Lightning Defenseman

On January 10, 2019, Victor Hedman played his 663rd game in a Lightning uniform, surpassing Pavel Kubina for the most games played by a defenseman in franchise history.

December 2019: Scored 100th Career NHL Goal

On December 5, 2019, Victor Hedman achieved a career milestone by scoring his 100th NHL goal in a game against the Minnesota Wild. He became the first defenseman in Lightning history to reach this mark.

August 2020: Playoff success and point records

Throughout August 2020, during the 2020 playoffs, Victor Hedman achieved multiple milestones. On August 23, he scored two goals against the Boston Bruins, surpassing Vincent Lecavalier for fifth-most points in Lightning playoff history. On August 25, he recorded an assist, moving past Steven Stamkos for fourth-most playoff points in Lightning history, and past Erik Karlsson and Calle Johansson for fourth-most playoff assists among Swedish defensemen. On August 31, he scored the series-clinching goal against the Bruins, setting a franchise record for most goals by a defenseman in a single playoff series.

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 the 2020-21 season, which was shortened to 56 games due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Victor Hedman recorded nine goals and 36 assists for 46 points in 55 games. He was also named a Norris Trophy finalist for the fifth-straight season. Hedman and the Lightning repeated as Stanley Cup champions.

March 2021: 500th point and torn meniscus

In March 2021, on March 16th, Victor Hedman recorded his 500th point in a 4–3 overtime win against the Dallas Stars. Later in March, on March 30th, he sustained a torn meniscus in a 3–1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, which he played with for several weeks of the season and the entire playoffs.

2021: Stanley Cup

In 2021, Victor Hedman won the Stanley Cup back-to-back with the Lightning.

2021: 2021-22 Season

In the 2021-22 season, Victor Hedman finished with career highs in goals (20), assists (65) and points (85) along with a team-high +26 rating. He played in all 82 games for the first time in his career.

May 2022: Norris Trophy Finalist

In May 2022, specifically on May 9th, Victor Hedman was named a Norris Trophy finalist for the sixth consecutive season after finishing the 2021–22 season with career highs in goals (20), assists (65) and points (85). The Norris Trophy would eventually go to Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche.

February 2023: 500th Career Assist

On February 11, 2023, Victor Hedman recorded his 500th assist on a goal by Anthony Cirelli in a 3–1 victory over the Dallas Stars, becoming the 33rd defenseman in NHL history to hit the mark.

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.