Victor Hedman

Victor Hedman's season left more questions than answers, and the Lightning need to know if their franchise cornerstone can return to form when it matters most. Tampa Bay's defensive anchor has been the backbone of their recent success, but this puzzling campaign has scouts and analysts wondering whether age, injury, or something else entirely is at play.

Victor Hedman is opening up about the personal leave that took him away from Tampa Bay’s playoff run, and the message is encouraging. He says he is in a much better place now, which is the kind of line that matters far more than any box score. Hockey people talk all the time about toughness, but this story reminds you that the human side of the game can be the biggest part of the comeback.