Victor Hedman (born 18.12.1990) is a Swedish ice hockey defenseman. He has been playing in the NHL since 2009 and he has played his whole NHL career with Tampa Bay Lightning. He Is currently alternate captain of the Lightning.

Early Career

Victor Hedman began his junior career in the 2005-06 season with MoDo Hockey J20. He was called up to the SHL with MoDo Hockey in the 2007-08 season. He was nominated as the SHL Rookie of the Year in his first full season 2008-09. In 2009 NHL draft, Hedman was listed as the second-ranked played before the draft and that was correct – he was drafted 2nd overall by Tampa Bay Lighting.

Tampa Bay Lightning

Victor Hedman made his NHL debut on 3.10.2009, against Atlanta Thrashers. On 29.11.2011, Hedman signed five-year contract extension with Tampa Bay Lightning. In 2013-14 season, Hedman started to show his potential and made 55 (13+42) points during that season. Next season (2014-15), Hedman continued to be productive, but he suffered some injuries and played only 59 games. At this phase, all the signs showed that Hedman will be future James Norris – candidate.

On 1.7.2016, the Lightning re-signed Hedman to an eight-year contract extension. On 17.12.2016, Hedman scored his 254th career point and became all-time leader of points by Lightning defenseman. On 21.4.2017, Hedman was named as a finalist for the Norris Trophy (best defenseman of NHL) first time – this time he was third. Next season Victor Hedman was also named as a finalist for the Norris Trophy and this time he won it – he was the first defenseman in Lightning history to won the trophy. Tampa Bay Lightning have been good team almost all the time when Victor Hedman have been played with it, but Hedman have not won Stanley Cup. In season 2014-15, Tampa Bay Lightning reached Stanley Cup Finals, but lost to Chicago Blackhawks 4-2.

International Play

Victor Hedman won a silver medal at the 2008 and 2009 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. He made his Swedish senior team debut 2008, when he was only 17 years old. Hedman was selected for Sweden’s team in the 2010 and 2017 IIHF World Championships. 2010 he won bronze, but in the 2017 World Championships, Sweden took gold – Victor Hedman was an assistant captain of that team

Other interesting stuff

Victor Hedman has been named Norris Trophy finalist three times: 2017, 2018 and 2019 – he won trophy 2018. Hedman has been named NHL First All-Star Team once (2018) and NHL Second All-Star Team twice (2017 and 2019). He has been played three times in NHL All-Star Game (2017, 2018 and 2020).