Victor Hedman issued a statement and later spoke on Tuesday about why he took personal leave in the latter part of the NHL season.
The Tampa Bay Lightning captain said in the statement that he stepped away from the game to "focus on my mental health," adding "it was not an easy decision to make, but the right one."
Hedman skated as a regular during Tampa Bay's morning practice on Friday during the first-round series with the Montréal Canadiens, but last played March 19. He said during the Lightning's media availability on Tuesday that it came to a point where he knew it was time to step away.
"Obviously, after the first period in Vancouver was kind of the final straw," Hedman told reporters on Tuesday, elaborating on his statement. "It was obviously a thing that had been going on for a long time, and trying to work through it and find ways to get around it, but I wasn't able to do that, so that's where the decision came that I needed to take some time and find myself again."
The 35-year-old Swede — a Conn Smythe Trophy winner as playoff MVP in 2020 — took a temporary leave for personal reasons on March 25, rejoining the team early in the first-round series.
Hedman also said in his statement that "this is something that exists in our game more than people see," without elaborating. He did not provide a timeline for a return, concluding his statement saying he was looking "forward to what's next."
"I was there and, obviously, tough timing," Hedman said on Tuesday about his potential return. "I had one full practice with the team. I was there mentally and physically, so that's a really good sign. I am super excited about next year and to get back at it."
Hedman was limited to 33 games in the regular season, posting one goal and 16 assists after also missing time due to elbow surgery and an undisclosed injury.
Lightning coach Jon Cooper said before Game 6 that Hedman was "going to be the option really soon."
The Lightning, who finished with a 50-26-6 record, were eliminated by the Canadiens in seven games.
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