Victor Hedman

2017-04-22T02:36:59Z

Magnus221: /* Tampa Bay Lightning */

{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2016}}
{{Infobox ice hockey player
| name = Victor Hedman
|image = Victor Hedman - Tampa Bay Lightning.jpg
|image_size = 230px
|caption = Hedman with the [[Tampa Bay Lightning]] in December 2014
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1990|12|18}}
|birth_place = [[Örnsköldsvik]], Sweden
|height_ft = 6
|height_in = 6
|weight_lb = 223
|position = [[Defenceman|Defence]]
|shoots = Left
|league = [[National Hockey League|NHL]]
|team = [[Tampa Bay Lightning]]
|former_teams = [[Modo Hockey]]<br>[[Barys Astana]]
|ntl_team = Sweden
|draft = 2nd overall
|draft_year = 2009
|draft_team = [[Tampa Bay Lightning]]
|career_start = 2007
}}
'''Victor Erik Olof Hedman''' (born 18 December 1990) is a [[Sweden|Swedish]] professional [[ice hockey]] [[defenceman]] currently playing for the [[Tampa Bay Lightning]] of the [[National Hockey League]] (NHL). Hedman was selected second overall by the Lightning in the [[2009 NHL Entry Draft]].

==Playing career==
[[File:VictorHedman2008.jpg|right|thumb|Hedman with [[Modo Hockey]] in 2008]][[File:Victor Hedman - Blues vs Lightning (2).jpg|thumb|left|Hedman in September 2011]]
===Sweden===
Hedman began his [[junior ice hockey]] career in the Swedish [[J20 SuperElit]] with the [[Modo Hockey]] organization. He recorded 25 points in 34 games during his first full season in the league in 2006–07. Hedman then turned professional and joined the [[Swedish Hockey League|Elitserien]] with Modo at the age of 16. At the beginning of the [[2008–09 Elitserien season|2008–09 season]], he was ranked first overall amongst all draft-eligible skaters in the International Scouting Services' preliminary rankings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?id=11679|title=International Scouting Services Preliminary Rankings|publisher=[[The Sports Network|TSN]]|accessdate=25 November 2008|archivedate=19 October 2008|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20121017031318/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?id=11679}}</ref> In the same season, he was nominated as the [[SHL Rookie of the Year]]. Following his performance at the [[2009 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships|2009 World Junior Championships]] for [[Sweden men's national junior ice hockey team|Sweden]], Hedman was listed atop the rankings of European skaters by the [[NHL Central Scouting Bureau]]. Despite the unlikelihood of Hedman playing in [[Russia]], he was drafted 83rd overall by the [[Kontinental Hockey League]] (KHL)'s [[HC Spartak Moscow|Spartak Moscow]] on 1 June 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=280568|title=Tavares passed over in KHL draft, Hall taken by Ak Bars|date=1 June 2009|publisher=The Sports Network|accessdate=20 January 2010|archivedate=3 June 2009|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20121019201710/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=280568}}</ref>

Going into the [[2009 NHL Entry Draft]], Hedman was listed as the second-ranked player and top European player. This led to him being selected second overall by the [[Tampa Bay Lightning]].<ref>{{cite web|title=2014 NHL Mock Draft|url=http://www.mynhldraft.com/NHL-Mock-Draft/|publisher=My NHL Draft|archivedate=15 January 2009|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20121014084244/http://www.mynhldraft.com/NHL-Mock-Draft/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=262962|title=Tavares, Hedman highlight NHL mid-season rankings|date=12 January 2009|publisher=TSN|accessdate=13 January 2009|archivedate=15 January 2009|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20121017031337/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=262962}}</ref>

Hedman has drawn comparisons to [[Chris Pronger]], who has a similar physique and was also drafted second overall.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/2009-06-25-first-pick_N.htm|title=Intriguing choice at No. 1 pick: Big-time scorer or franchise D|last=Allen|first=Kevin|date=25 June 2009|work=[[USA Today]]|accessdate=26 June 2009|deadurl=no}}</ref>

===Tampa Bay Lightning===
Hedman made his NHL debut for the Lightning on 3 October 2009, against the [[Atlanta Thrashers]]. He registered his first point, an assist, on a [[Martin St. Louis]] goal. His first NHL goal was then scored on 5 December against [[Dwayne Roloson]] of the [[New York Islanders]].

On 5 January 2011, during his sophomore NHL season in [[2010–11 NHL season|2010–11]], Hedman checked [[Pittsburgh Penguins]] captain [[Sidney Crosby]] from behind, receiving a minor boarding penalty. The hit was one of two that were eventually blamed for causing a severe [[concussion]] on Crosby that kept him out of play for over a year.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://espn.go.com/blog/statsinfo/tag/_/name/victor-hedman|title=Crosby Show has been must-see TV|first=Vince|date=7 September 2011|publisher=[[ESPN.com]]|author=Masi|accessdate=21 November 2011|archivedate=4 October 2013|deadurl=no|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20131004220632/http://espn.go.com/blog/statsinfo/tag/_/name/victor-hedman}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|publisher=[[Yahoo! Sports]]|url= https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/puck-daddy/sidney-crosby-concussion-vs-economics-nhl-161909374.html|title=The Sidney Crosby concussion vs. the economics of the NHL|author=Greg Wyshynski|date=6 January 2012|accessdate=9 January 2012|deadurl=no|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20131005135142/https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/puck-daddy/sidney-crosby-concussion-vs-economics-nhl-161909374.html|archivedate=11 January 2012}}</ref>

On 29 November 2011, shortly into the [[2011–12 NHL season|2011–12 season]], Hedman signed a five-year, $20 million contract extension with Tampa Bay. On 25 September 2012, it was announced that Hedman signed a contract with [[Barys Astana]] of the KHL during the [[2012–13 NHL lockout]]. During the [[2013–14 NHL season|2013–14 season]], Hedman had a breakout season, posting a career best in goals (13), assists (42) and points (55).

Hedman followed up his breakout season with a strong start to the [[2014–15 NHL season|2014–15 season]]. However, his start would be derailed after he suffered a broken finger, which was expected to rule him out of play for four to six weeks. At the time, Hedman was tied for the lead amongst NHL defencemen with seven points, and was considered a possible [[James Norris Memorial Trophy]] candidate for Defenceman of the Year entering into the season.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/eye-on-hockey/24760574/report-lightning-d-victor-hedman-out-4-6-weeks-with-broken-hand|title=Lightning D Victor Hedman out 4-6 weeks with broken finger|first=Chris|last=Peters|work=CBSSports NHL|date= 20 October 2014|accessdate=9 June 2015}}</ref> Despite the injury, Hedman still had a productive season with the Lightning, scoring 10 goals, 28 assists and 38 points in 59 games played. After Game 2 of the [[2015 Stanley Cup Finals|Stanley Cup Final]] against the [[Chicago Blackhawks]], Hedman had recorded the most points by a Lightning defencemen in a single playoff year, with one goal, 11 assists and 12 points.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lightning.nhl.com/gamecenter/en/recap?id=2014030412|title=Bolts even up Stanley Cup Final with 4-3 win over Blackhawks|last=Burns|first=Bryan|date=6 June 2015|work=Tampa Bay Lightning|accessdate=8 June 2015}}</ref> On 8 June 2015, during Game 3 of the Final series, Hedman set Lightning records for career playoff assists (20) and points (23) by a defenceman, surpassing [[Dan Boyle (ice hockey)|Dan Boyle]], who previously held the record with three goals and 19 assists (22 points).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lightning.nhl.com/gamecenter/en/recap?id=2014030413|title=Cedric Paquette's game-winner gives Bolts 2-1 series lead against Chicago|last=Burns|first=Bryan|date=8 June 2015|work=Tampa Bay Lightning|accessdate=8 June 2015}}</ref>

On 24 October 2015, Hedman played in his 400th career NHL game in an OT loss to the [[Chicago Blackhawks]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://lightning.nhl.com/gamecenter/en/recap?id=2015020114|title=Toews gives Blackhawks win against Lightning|first=Brian|last=Hedger|work=NHL.com|date=24 October 2015|accessdate=25 October 2015}}</ref> On 20 December 2015, Hedman recorded his 200th NHL point, which was an assist on a [[Nikita Kucherov]] pp goal. The point came during a 5–2 Lightning victory over the visiting [[Ottawa Senators]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lightning.nhl.com/gamecenter/en/recap?id=2015020495|title=Stamkos scores twice, Lightning top Senators|last=Long|first=Corey|date=20 December 2015|work=NHL.com|accessdate=21 December 2015}}</ref> On 20 May 2016, Hedman recorded two assists in a 4–3 Lightning win over the [[Pittsburgh Penguins]]. The two assists moved Hedman past [[Vincent Lecavalier]] (28) and [[Brad Richards]] (29) for number two all-time in playoff assists with the franchise.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://espnnhradio.com/stanley-cup-recap-penguins-run-out-of-time-lightning-hold-on-for-game-4-win/|title=Stanley Cup Recap: Penguins Run Out of Time, Lightning Hold On for Game 4 Win|first=Shawn|last=Hutcheon|work=ESPNradio.com|date=21 May 2016|accessdate=25 May 2016}}</ref> On 24 May 2016, Hedman became the leader in playoff games played for the Lightning. He surpassed former teammates [[Martin St. Louis]] and Vincent Lecavalier, who were tied for the most playoffs games played in franchise history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lightning.nhl.com/gamecenter/en/recap?id=2015030316|title=Penguins win Game 6, extend series vs. Lightning|last=Long|first=Corey|date=25 May 2016|work=NHL.com|accessdate=3 July 2016}}</ref>

On July 1, 2016, the Lightning re-signed Hedman to an eight-year contract extension worth $7.875 million per season. Hedman lead all Lightning defensemen in goals, assists (37), points and plus/minus. He also led all Lightning skaters in plus/minus, average ice time (23:03), takeaways (48) and blocked shots (132). He also posted a career high with a plus-21 rating. Hedman currently ranks third all-time in franchise history among defensemen in career points (229), behind Dan Boyle (253) and [[Pavel Kubina]] (243). He is also second all-time among defensemen in assists (180) and fourth for goals (49). Hedman ranks third all-time among Lightning defensemen for games played, trailing only Pavel Kubina (662) and [[Cory Sarich]] (490). In addition, Hedman is the Bolts' all-time playoff leader for points, goals, assists and plus/minus among defensemen.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lightning.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=888185|title=Lightning Sign Victor Hedman to Eight-Year Contract Extension|last=Lightning|first=Tampa Bay|date=July 1, 2016|work=Tampa Bay Lightning|accessdate=July 4, 2016}}</ref>

On October 26, 2016, Hedman recorded his 50th career NHL goal.<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=BBurnsNHL |number=791079725837918208 |date = 25 October 2016 |title=Hedman 50th career NHL goal}}</ref> The goal came in a 7-3 Lightning victory over the [[Toronto Maple Leafs]] at the [[Air Canada Centre]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=400884483|title=Stamkos' 4 points lead Lightning over Maple Leafs|last=Associated|first=Press|date=October 25, 2016|work=Tampa Bay Lightning|accessdate=October 26, 2016}}</ref> On November 5, 2016, Hedman recorded his 187th assist, which tied him with [[Dan Boyle (ice hockey)|Dan Boyle]] for most career assists by a Lightning defenseman.<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=SammonSez |number=795057166478622720 |date = 5 November 2016 |title=Hedman ties Dan Boyle for most career assists by Lightning defenseman}}</ref> The assist came in a 4-1 Lightning victory over the visiting [[New Jersey Devils]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/ben-bishop-makes-37-saves-in-lightning-win/c-283460202|title=Ben Bishop makes 37 saves in Lightning win|first=Corey|last=Long|work=NHL.com|date=November 5, 2016|accessdate=November 5, 2016}}</ref> On November 10, 2016, Hedman recorded his 188th career assist which is the most assists by a defenseman in Lightning history.<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=TBLightning |number=796880710330159104 |date = 10 November 2016 |title=Hedman moves past Dan Boyle for most career assists by a Lightning defenseman}}</ref> Hedman is now seventh in franchise history in assists.<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=Erik_Erlendsson |number=796881526969470977 |date = 10 November 2016 |title=Hedman #7 in assists in Lightning history}}</ref> On November 14, 2016, Hedman recorded his 189th assist, which tied with [[Brian Bradley (ice hockey, born 1965)|Brian Bradley]] for 6th in assists in Lightning history. The assist came in a 4-0 Lightning win over the [[New York Islanders]] at the [[Barclays Center]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/lightning-opens-road-trip-with-4-0-rout-of-islanders/2302853|title=Lightning opens road trip with 4-0 rout of Islanders|last=Smith|first=Joe|date=November 14, 2016|work=Tampa Bay Times|accessdate=November 15, 2016}}</ref> On November 15, 2016, Hedman recorded his 190th assist, which moved Hedman past Bradley for sixth all time in assists in Lightning history. The assist came in a 4-3 win over the [[Detroit Red Wings]] at [[Joe Louis Arena]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/tampa-bay-lightning-detroit-red-wings-game-recap/c-283772026|title=Nikita Kucherov sends Lightning past Red Wing|last=Hogg|first=Dave|date=November 15, 2016|work=NHL.com|accessdate=November 15, 2016}}</ref> On November 21, 2016, Hedman recorded an assist, which was Hedman's 243 career point. This put Hedman into a tie with [[Pavel Kubina]] for 10th place on the Lightning's all-time scoring list.<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=BBurnsNHL |number=800909954483945472 |date = 10 November 2016 |title=Hedman ties Kubina for 10th in points all time in Lightning history}}</ref> Hedman is also tied with Kubina for 2nd all-time in points by a defensemen in Lightning history. On November 23, 2016, Hedman recorded a goal in a 4-2 Lightning victory over the visiting [[Philadelphia Flyers]]. This was Hedman's 244th career point, which moved him past Kubina for 2nd in points by a defenseman and 10th in points in Lightning history.<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=BBurnsNHL |number=801596697050759177 |date = 23 November 2016 |title=Hedman moves past Kubina for 10th in points all time in Lightning history}}</ref>

On December 14, 2016, Hedman skated in his 500th career NHL game, which came in a 6-3 Lightning victory over the [[Calgary Flames]]. Additionally, Hedman recorded three assists, and now only needs two points to tie Dan Boyle (253) for most all-time points by a Lightning defenseman.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/lightning/news/burns-3-things-from-extinguishing-the-flames/c-284725886|title=Burns: 3 Things from extinguishing the Flames|last=Burns|first=Bryan|date=December 15, 2016|work=NHL.com|accessdate=December 15, 2016}}</ref> On December 16, 2016, Heman recorded 253 career NHL point, which moved him into a tie with Dan Boyle.<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=BBurnsNHL |number=810168945814732801 |date = 17 December 2016 |title=Hedman ties Dan Boyle for most points by a defenseman in franchise history}}</ref> On December 17, 2016, Hedman became the all-time leader in points by a defenseman with his 254th career point. Hedman also moved into 9th place on the all-time franchise list for all skaters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lightninginsider.com/index.php/game-recaps/110-two-ways-of-viewing-lighting-shootout-loss-to-oilers|title=Two ways to view Lighting shootout loss to Oilers|last=Erik|first=Erlendsson|date=December 17, 2016|work=LightningInsider.com|accessdate=December 18, 2016}}</ref> On December 20, 2016, Hedman recorded his 200th career NHL assist.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lightninginsider.com/index.php/game-recaps/116-it-s-just-one-game-but-lightning-have-a-plenty-to-build-from|title=It's just one game, but Lightning have plenty to build from|last=Erik|first=Erlendsson|date=December 20, 2016|work=LightningInsider.com|accessdate=December 20, 2016}}</ref> Hedman also became the first defensemen in Lightning history to record 200 career assists.<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=PR_NHL |number=811427176528613376 |date = 20 December 2016 |title=Hedman 1st Lightning defenseman to record 200 career NHL assists}}</ref> On December 28, 2016, Hedman recorded two points to move past [[Chris Gratton]] in to eighth place on the Lightning's all-time scoring list.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://lightninginsider.com/index.php/game-recaps/143-lightning-find-right-injection-to-serve-as-remedy-in-comeback-victory|title=Lightning find right injection to serve as remedy in comeback victory|first=Erik|last=Erlendsson|work=Lightning Insider.com|date=December 28, 2016|accessdate=December 29, 2016}}</ref> On January 10, 2017, Hedman was named to the [[62nd National Hockey League All-Star Game|2017 NHL All-Star game]] as a member of the Atlantic Division team.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/lightning/victor-hedman-nikita-kucherov-make-all-star-team/2309071|title=Victor Hedman, Nikita Kucherov make All-Star team|first=Joe|last=Smith|work=Tampa Bay Times|date=January 10, 2017|accessdate=January 10, 2017}}</ref> On February 23, 2017, Hedman recorded his 526th and 527th career hits against the [[Calgary Flames]], which moved him past [[Eric Brewer]] for the most hits in Lightning history.<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=BBurnsNHL |number=834949996315348993 |date = 23 February 2017 |title=Hedman ties Brewer for most hits in Lightning history}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/cgy-vs-tbl/2017/02/23/2016020896/recap/box-score#game=2016020896,game_state=final,lock_state=final,game_tab=wrap|title=Sean Monahan scores 100th NHL goal in Flames win|first=Corey|last=Long|work=NHL.com|date=February 23, 2017|accessdate=February 25, 2017}}</ref> On March 11, 2017, Hedman recorded his 287th career point in a Lightning uniform. This moved him past [[Fredrik Modin]] for 7th most points all-time in franchise history.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/florida-panthers-tampa-bay-lightning-game-recap/c-287627446|title=Lightning hand Panthers fifth straight loss|first=Corey|last=Long|work=NHL.com|date=March 11, 2017|accessdate=March 12, 2017}}</ref> On March 27, 2017, Hedman recorded his 50th assist of the season to become the first defenseman in Lightning history to record 50th assists in a single season.<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=hockey_ref |number=846782730096513024 |date = 27 March 2017 |title=Hedman first defenseman in Lightning history to have 50 assists in a season}}</ref> On March 30, 2017, Hedman recorded an assist in the second period to move him past [[Roman Hamrlik]] for the most points (66) in a single season by a defenseman in Lightning history.<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=BBurnsNHL |number=847617783391068164 |date = 30 March 2017 |title=Hedman passes Roman Hamrlik for most points in a season all-time by a Lightning defeseman}}</ref> On April 6, 2017, Hedman recorded three assists to become the first defenseman in Lightning history to reach 70-points in a single season.<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=PR_NHL |number=850173428325687296 |date = 6 April 2017 |title=Hedman first defenseman in Lightning history to have 70-points in a season}}</ref> Hedman also joined [[Börje Salming]], [[Nicklas Lidström]], and [[Erik Karlsson]] as the only Swedish defensemen to reach 70-points in a single season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dn.se/sport/ishockey/victor-hedman-en-best-nar-han-holl-kvar-tampa-i-slutspelsracet/|title=Victor Hedman a beast when he was left Tampa in playoff race|first=Sven|last=Gustavsson|work=DN.Sport|date=April 6, 2017|accessdate=April 7, 2017}}</ref> On April 9, 2017, Hedman recorded a goal and an assist in a 4-2 Lightning win over the visiting [[Buffalo Sabres]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/buffalo-sabres-tampa-bay-lightning-game-recap/c-288615084|title=Lightning end season with third straight win|first=Corey|last=Long|work=NHL.com|date=April 9, 2017|accessdate=April 10, 2017}}</ref> Hedman's two points move him past [[Brian Bradley (ice hockey, born 1965)|Brian Bradley]] for sixth all-time in franchise history in points (301).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rawcharge.com/2017/4/10/13321980/tampa-bay-lightning-buffalo-sabres-quick-strikes-victor-hedman-300-point-ahl-syracuse-crunch-playoff |title=Quick Strikes: Hedman picks up his 300th (and 301st) career points |author= |date=April 10, 2017 |website=nhl.com |publisher=SB Nation:Raw Charge |access-date=April 10, 2017 |quote=}}</ref> On April 21, 2017, Hedman was named as a finalist for the [[James Norris Memorial Trophy]], which is awarded annually to the NHL's top defenseman.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/lightning/news/victor-hedman-just-completed-the-finest-season-ever-for-a-tampa-bay-lightning-defenseman-reading-through-hedmans-list-of-achievements-from-2016-17-i/c-289005888|title=Victor Hedman a worthy Norris Trophy finalist|first=Bryan|last=Burns|work=NHL.com|date=April 21, 2017|accessdate=April 21, 2017}}</ref>

==International play==
{{MedalTableTop|name = }}
{{MedalCountry | {{ih|Sweden}} }}
{{MedalSport|[[Ice hockey]]}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Ice Hockey World Championships|World Championships]]}}
{{MedalBronze|[[2010 IIHF World Championship|2010 Germany]]|}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[IIHF World U20 Championship|World Junior Championships]]}}
{{MedalSilver|[[2009 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships|2009 Ottawa]]|}}
{{MedalSilver|[[2008 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships|2008 Pardubice]]|}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[IIHF World U18 Championships|World U18 Championships]]}}
{{MedalBronze|[[2007 IIHF World U18 Championships|2007 Tampere]]|}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament]]}}
{{MedalGold|[[2007 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament|2007 Hodonín]]|}}
{{MedalBottom}}

Hedman played for [[Sweden men's national junior ice hockey team|Sweden]] at the [[2008 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships|2008 World Junior Championships]], where he helped the team to a [[silver medal]], losing to [[Canada men's national junior hockey team|Canada]] 3–2 in the final, and was selected to the tournament All-Star Team. He later became one of the youngest players to play for [[Sweden men's national ice hockey team|Sweden's men's team]] when he made his debut at age 17 in an exhibition game against [[Norway men's national ice hockey team|Norway]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.expressen.se/sport/hockey/debut-i-tre-kronor---som-17-aring/|title=Debut i Tre Kronor - som 17-åring|trans_title=Debut in Three Crowns - 17 years old|last=Ek|first=Mattias|accessdate= 18 November 2008|date=28 March 2008|publisher=[[Expressen]]|language=sv |archivedate=12 October 2012|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20121012144056/http://www.expressen.se/sport/hockey/debut-i-tre-kronor---som-17-aring/|deadurl=no}}</ref> Hedman would once again play for Sweden's junior team at the [[2009 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships|2009 World Junior Championships]] in [[Ottawa]], where he met Canada for the second consecutive year in the gold-medal game, earning another silver medal in a 5–1 loss.

On 2 March 2016, the Swedish Ice Hockey Association named Hedman to its roster for the [[2016 World Cup of Hockey]]. Hedman will was joined by Lightning teammate [[Anton Strålman|Anton Stralman]]. The tournament ran from 17 Sep to 1 October 2016, in [[Toronto]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/eye-on-hockey/25502178/world-cup-of-hockey-erik-karlsson-leads-loaded-early-sweden-roster|title=World Cup of Hockey: Erik Karlsson leads loaded early Sweden roster|first=Chris|last=Peters|work=CBSSports.com|date=2 March 2016|accessdate=2 March 2016}}</ref>

On April 15, 2017, the Swedish Ice Hockey Association named Hedman to its roster for the [[2017 IIHF World Championship]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rawcharge.com/2017/4/15/15306682/tampa-bay-lightning-quick-strikes-victor-hedman-stralman-sweden-iihf-world-syracuse-crunch-witkowski |title=Quick Strikes: Victor Hedman to play for Sweden at IIHF World Championship |author= |date=April 15, 2017 |website=rawcharge.com |publisher=SB Nation: Raw Charge|access-date=April 15, 2017 |quote=}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Hedman has two older brothers — [[Oscar Hedman]], who is also a professional hockey player that currently plays for Modo Hockey; as well as Johan Hedman, who does not play professionally.

As a child, Hedman originally started out playing as a goaltender. His father, Olle Hedman, told his son that if he left the net, he would purchase him the new helmet that he coveted. He has not played in goal since that day. Victor said "I'm thankful for that now. You never know what would have happened otherwise."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/lightning-defenseman-victor-hedman-turning-heads-as-playoff-mvp-candidate/2232998|title=Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman turning heads as playoff MVP candidate|first=Joe|last=Smith|work=Tampa Bay Times|date= 9 June 2015|accessdate=17 June 2015}}</ref>

Hedman's other passions were flying (he has logged eight hours on a Piper PA-32), and soccer. His father said that his son would just outrun everyone on the field. Hedman still plays soccer in the summer, and religiously follows the sport. In an article it was revealed that when quizzed on any player on any English Premier League team, he couldn't be stumped. His dad said that his son "probably knows more about football than hockey. However, Hedman knew that hockey was his future. He was encouraged by some of hockey's greats. The players would come back every summer and play for a team called the Icebreakers, inviting Hedman to play. Some notable players on the team included [[Peter Forsberg]], [[Markus Näslund]], [[Henrik Zetterberg]], and [[Nicklas Bäckström]]. Hedman said that "looking back at it now, it was an unbelievable experience."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/lightning-defenseman-victor-hedman-turning-heads-as-playoff-mvp-candidate/2232998|title=Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman turning heads as playoff MVP candidate|first=Joe|last=Smith|work=Tampa Bay Times|date= 9 June 2015|accessdate=17 June 2015}}</ref>

In 2014 Hedman started a hockey school in his hometown. The spots in the school sold out in two hours. Hedman said that "to see the thrill in the kids' eyes, it's worth it all."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/lightning-defenseman-victor-hedman-turning-heads-as-playoff-mvp-candidate/2232998|title=Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman turning heads as playoff MVP candidate|first=Joe|last=Smith|work=Tampa Bay Times|date= 9 June 2015|accessdate=17 June 2015}}</ref>

Hedman is from [[Örnsköldsvik]] and trains with the Sedin twins in the off-season.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/hockey/vancouver-canucks/canucks+hedman+continues+inspired+sedins/11607951/story.html|title=Hedman continues to be inspired by Sedins|date=22 December 2015|publisher=Vancouver Sun|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151231052508/http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/hockey/vancouver-canucks/canucks+hedman+continues+inspired+sedins/11607951/story.html|archive-date=31 December 2015|last1=Ziemer|first1=Brad|accessdate=3 July 2016}}</ref>

During an interview with [[The Hockey News]], Hedman revealed why he chose seventy-seven as his jersey number. Hedman revealed that [[Nicklas Lidström|Nicklas Lidstrom]] was an idol of his growing up, however, he stated that he did not play the same style of game. Hedman said he liked the way [[Ray Bourque]] played the game. As well as guys like [[Paul Coffey]] due to their skating ability. Due to watching a lot of the [[Colorado Avalanche]] Hedman witnessed Bourque winning a cup with the Avs. Hedman wore #41 back in Sweden, but Lightning teammate [[Mike Smith (ice hockey, born 1982)|Mike Smith]] wore that number. He decided to wear Bourque's No. 77 instead.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehockeynews.com/blog/rapid-fire-with-lightning-defenseman-victor-hedman/|title=Rapid Fire: with Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman|first=Ryan|last=Kennedy|work=The Hockey News|date=July 17, 2016|accessdate=July 19, 2016}}</ref>

==Career statistics==

===Regular season and playoffs===
{| border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" ID="Table3" style="text-align:center; width:60em"
|- bgcolor="#e0e0e0"
! colspan="3" bgcolor="#ffffff" |  
! rowspan="99" bgcolor="#ffffff" |  
! colspan="5" | [[Regular season|Regular season]]
! rowspan="99" bgcolor="#ffffff" |  
! colspan="5" | [[Playoffs]]
|- bgcolor="#e0e0e0"
! [[Season (sports)|Season]]!!Team!!League
! GP!![[Goal (ice hockey)|G]]!![[Assist (ice hockey)|A]]!![[Point (ice hockey)|Pts]]!![[Penalty (ice hockey)|PIM]]!!GP!!G!!A!!Pts!!PIM
|-
| 2005–06
| [[Modo Hockey]]
| [[J20 SuperElit|J20]]
| 10||0||1||1||8
| —||—||—||—||—
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| 2006–07
| Modo Hockey
| J20
| 34||13||12||25||30
| 5||1||1||2||44
|-
| 2007–08
| Modo Hockey
| J20
| 6||2||1||3||26
| 3||2||0||2||4
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| [[2007–08 Elitserien season|2007–08]]
| Modo Hockey
| [[Swedish Hockey League|SHL]]
| 39||2||2||4||44
| 5||1||0||1||4
|-
| 2008–09
| Modo Hockey
| J20
| 2||0||2||2||10
| 5||0||1||1||2
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| [[2008–09 Elitserien season|2008–09]]
| Modo Hockey
| SHL
| 43||7||14||21||52
| —||—||—||—||—
|-
| [[2009–10 NHL season|2009–10]]
| [[Tampa Bay Lightning]]
| [[National Hockey League|NHL]]
| 74||4||16||20||79
| —||—||—||—||—
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| [[2010–11 NHL season|2010–11]]
| Tampa Bay Lightning
| NHL
| 79||3||23||26||70
| 18||0||6||6||8
|-
| [[2011–12 NHL season|2011–12]]
| Tampa Bay Lightning
| NHL
| 61||5||18||23||65
| —||—||—||—||—
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| [[2012–13 KHL season|2012–13]]
| [[Barys Astana]]
| [[Kontinental Hockey League|KHL]]
| 26||1||20||21||70
| —||—||—||—||—
|-
| [[2012–13 NHL season|2012–13]]
| Tampa Bay Lightning
| NHL
| 44||4||16||20||31
| —||—||—||—||—
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| [[2013–14 NHL season|2013–14]]
| Tampa Bay Lightning
| NHL
| 75||13||42||55||53
| 4||1||2||3||2
|- bgcolor=
| [[2014–15 NHL season|2014–15]]
| Tampa Bay Lightning
| NHL
| 59||10||28||38||40
| 26||1||13||14||6
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| [[2015–16 NHL season|2015–16]]
| Tampa Bay Lightning
| NHL
| 78||10||37||47||46
| 17||4||10||14||14
|- bgcolor=
| [[2016–17 NHL season|2016–17]]
| Tampa Bay Lightning
| NHL
| 79||16||56||72||47
| —||—||—||—||—
|- bgcolor="#e0e0e0"
! colspan="3" | SHL totals
! 82!!9!!16!!25!!96
! 5!!1!!0!!1!!4
|- bgcolor="#e0e0e0"
! colspan="3" | NHL totals
! 549!!65!!236!!301!!431
! 65!!6!!31!!37!!30
|}

===International===
{| border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="text-align:center; width:40em"
|- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#e0e0e0"
! Year
! Team
! Event
! Result
! rowspan="99" bgcolor="#ffffff" |  
! GP
! G
! A
! Pts
! PIM
|-
| [[2007 IIHF World U18 Championships|2007]]
| [[Sweden men's national junior ice hockey team|Sweden]]
| [[IIHF World U18 Championships|WJC18]]
| {{brca}}
| 6||1||2||3||10
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| [[2008 IIHF World U18 Championships|2008]]
| Sweden
| WJC18
| 4th
| 4||1||3||4||10
|-
| [[2008 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships|2008]]
| Sweden
| [[IIHF World U20 Championship|WJC]]
| {{sica}}
| 6||0||1||1||4
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| [[2009 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships|2009]]
| Sweden
| WJC
| {{sica}}
| 6||0||2||2||6
|- ALIGN="center"
| [[2010 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships|2010]]
| [[Sweden men's national ice hockey team|Sweden]]
| [[Ice Hockey World Championships|WC]]
| {{brca}}
| 9||1||1||2||6
|- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| [[2012 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships|2012]]
| Sweden
| WC
| 5th
| 8||0||1||1||14
|- ALIGN="center"
| [[2016 World Cup of Hockey|2016]]
| Sweden
| [[World Cup of Hockey|WCH]]
| {{brca}}
| 4||1||0||1||0
|- bgcolor="#e0e0e0"
! colspan="4" | Junior totals
! 22!!2!!8!!10!!30
|- bgcolor="#e0e0e0"
! colspan="4" | Senior totals
! 21!!2!!2!!4!!20
|}

==Awards==

===National Hockey League===

{| class="wikitable" width=60%
! Award
! Year(s) awarded
|-
| [[National Hockey League All-Star Game|NHL All-Star game]]
| [[62nd National Hockey League All-Star Game|2017]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/lightning/victor-hedman-nikita-kucherov-make-all-star-team/2309071|title=Victor Hedman, Nikita Kucherov make All-Star team|first=Joe|last=Smith|work=Tampa Bay Times|date=January 10, 2017|accessdate=January 10, 2017}}</ref>
|}

===Sweden===
{| class="wikitable" width=60%
! Award
! Year(s) awarded
|-
| Sweden's Junior of the Year
| 2009
|-
| [[SHL Rookie of the Year|Elitserien Rookie of the Year]]
| [[2008–09 Elitserien season|2009]]
|-
|-
| [[Guldpucken]]
| [[2014–15 NHL season|2015]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rawcharge.com/2015/7/4/8891741/quick-strikes-for-saturday-july-4|title=Quick Strikes for Saturday, July 4|date=4 July 2015|last=Fontana|first=John|website=rawcharge.com|access-date=3 July 2016}}</ref><ref group="note">Normally the Guldpucken is awarded to a player in Sweden, but Hedman won the award for his play in the NHL.</ref>
|}

===International===
{| class="wikitable" width=60%
! Award
! Year(s) awarded
|-
| [[IIHF World U18 Championships|World U18]] All-Star Team
| [[2007 IIHF World U18 Championships|2007]], [[2008 IIHF World U18 Championships|2008]]
|-
| [[IIHF World U20 Championship|World Junior]] All-Star Team
| [[2008 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships|2008]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eliteprospects.com/awards.php?award=U18%20WJC%20All-Star%20Team|title=Hockey Awards & Achievements|publisher=Elite Prospects|archivedate=1 September 2011|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20121015011305/http://www.eliteprospects.com/awards.php?award=U18%20WJC%20All-Star%20Team|deadurl=no}}</ref>
|}

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=note}}

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
*{{Eliteprospects}}
*{{Hockeydb|107121}}
*{{Eurohockey|99138}}

{{s-start}}
{{s-ach}}
{{succession box|before=[[Steven Stamkos]]|title=[[List of Tampa Bay Lightning draft picks|Tampa Bay Lightning first round draft pick]]|years=[[2009 NHL Entry Draft|2009]]|after=[[Carter Ashton]]}}
{{s-end}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hedman, Victor}}
[[Category:1990 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Barys Astana players]]
[[Category:Expatriate sportspeople in Kazakhstan]]
[[Category:Modo Hockey players]]
[[Category:National Hockey League first round draft picks]]
[[Category:People from Örnsköldsvik Municipality]]
[[Category:Swedish expatriate sportspeople in the United States]]
[[Category:Swedish ice hockey players]]
[[Category:Tampa Bay Lightning draft picks]]
[[Category:Tampa Bay Lightning players]]

Kazakhstan Encyclopedia - User contributions [en]

Victor Hedman