Victor Hedman reveals why he left Lightning before Canadiens playoff games
Victor Hedman says that he left the Tampa Bay Lightning before the 2025-26 NHL season because of performance anxiety, physical problems and growing pressure. The veteran defenseman missed Tampa Bay’s last regular-season games and the first-round playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens. His honest explanation gives us a new glimpse into the circumstances of his absence and the mental challenges that NHL players face.