Victor Hedman

Lore & Background

Hedman began his junior career with Modo Hockey in the Swedish J20 SuperElit, recording 25 points in 34 games in 2006–07. He turned professional with Modo in the Elitserien at age 16. In the 2008–09 season, he was ranked first overall among draft-eligible skaters by International Scouting Services and was nominated for SHL Rookie of the Year. After the 2009 World Junior Championships, NHL Central Scouting ranked him the top European skater. He was drafted 83rd overall by Spartak Moscow of the KHL on 1 June 2009, though it was considered unlikely he would play in Russia. In the 2009 NHL entry draft, he was listed as the second-ranked player and top European, and was selected second overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning, behind John Tavares. Hedman has drawn comparisons to Hart Trophy-winning defenceman Chris Pronger, who is also 6'6" and 220 pounds and was drafted second overall.

Reader's Guide

Hedman's significance is rooted in his consistent elite performance as a defenceman. He was a six-time James Norris Memorial Trophy finalist, winning the award in 2018. He won the Stanley Cup back-to-back with the Lightning in 2020 and 2021, and earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2020. His career includes multiple playoff records with the Lightning: he became the franchise's all-time playoff leader in games played by a defenceman, and set the franchise record for most career playoff assists and points by a defenceman, surpassing Dan Boyle. He also led all Lightning defencemen in goals, assists, points, and plus-minus in the 2015–16 season, and signed an eight-year contract extension worth $7.875 million per season on 1 July 2016. His legacy is tied to his role in the Lightning's deep playoff runs, including a 2015 Stanley Cup Final appearance and consecutive championships.

Did You Know?

• Hedman was drafted second overall in the 2009 NHL entry draft, behind John Tavares.
• He was nominated for SHL Rookie of the Year in the 2008–09 season.