Victor Hedman hasn't played in a game since Dec 9, but his focus is to be able to represent his country in the Olympics.
The Tampa Bay captain is 35 and has spent his entire NHL career with the Lightning after being selected second overall in the 2009 draft. Hedman has accomplished nearly everything at the NHL level, winning a Norris Trophy, two Stanley Cups and a Conn Smythe Trophy.
The one thing missing from his resume is getting to play in the Olympics.
“I get goosebumps just thinking about it," Hedman said via Lightning beat writer, Benjamin Pierce, on Thursday.
"It’ll be my first and my last Olympics. If I'm there when I'm 40, Sweden has a problem. But it's a once-in-a-lifetime kind of deal. Pretty much the only little thing that's missing in my career is to get to play in the Olympics, and now I get to do that. I'm just gonna enjoy that process, but at the same time, go there and have no regrets coming back. Just give it my all and make the people of Sweden proud.”
The defenceman underwent an elbow procedure on Dec. 15 after leaving a game against the Montreal Canadiens and has been sidelined since.
Hedman practiced on Wednesday for the first time since being placed on injured reserve. He was also on the ice on Thursday for the team's optional skate, according to Eduardo Encina of the Tampa Bay Times.
Hedman has not yet ruled out Tampa Bay's outdoor game against the Boston Bruins at Raymond James Stadium against on Sunday, with head coach Jon Cooper saying Hedman is progressing well.
In 18 games this season, the veteran has recorded 12 assists.
The Lightning (33-14-4) sit atop the Atlantic Division with 70 points and will face off against the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday (Sportsnet+ at 7 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CT ).
