Tampa Bay Lightning names Victor Hedman as new captain after Stamkos’ departure

Victor Hedman named team captain for Lightning

Sean Barie reports

TAMPA, Fla. - The Tampa Bay Lightning selected Victor Hedman as the team captain on Wednesday as the new season kicks off, making the big defenseman the successor to Steven Stamkos.

Hedman, who is going into his 16th season with the team, was considered the obvious choice to get the "C" after the Lightning did not re-sign Stamkos and their longtime captain left to join Nashville.

"Victor is a cornerstone player that is extremely well respected by his teammates, coaches and peers across the NHL," general manager Julien BriseBois said. "Over the past 15 seasons, he has been a world-class representative for our organization both on and off the ice. Victor embodies what it means to be a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning and is more than ready for this exciting opportunity. We are looking forward to watching him flourish in his new role as we continue to work towards our goal of winning the Stanley Cup."

The 33-year-old from Sweden was a key contributor to the Lightning hoisting the Cup back to back in 2020 and 2021, including playoff MVP honors on the first of those championship runs. Hedman also took home the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman in 2018 and finished in the top three in voting five other seasons.

Ryan McDonagh, who was reacquired early in the offseason in a trade with the Predators, and MVP finalist Nikita Kucherov will serve as alternate captains with the Lightning moving on to the post-Stamkos era.

TAMPA, FL - APRIL 25: Victor Hedman #77 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates against the Florida Panthers in Game Three of the First Round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena on April 25, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/NHLI

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What seemed like an obvious promotion to many, still took the Bolts months to pull the trigger on. BriseBois said they needed to do their due dilligence as they picked the captain to come after Stamkos. And, after putting it to a team vote, Hedman was unanimously selected as the franchise's 11th captain.

"To lead this team is, obviously, going to be a great honor," Hedman said. "I've learned from a lot of great leaders like my good friend Stammer, who has been my captain for the last 10-11 years. "

Even with Hedman getting the Captain's "C" on his jersey, however, doesn't mean he plans on changing any.

"I just want to be a guy that everyone can lean on when things are going bad," Hedman said.

The Lightning officially start training camp Thursday morning at the TGH Iceplex in Brandon and play their first preseason game next Tuesday against Carolina at home.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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