Lightning's Hedman returns after 5-game absence

The Tampa Bay Lightning are getting their best defenseman back Tuesday, as Victor Hedman is in the starting lineup against the Winnipeg Jets.

Hedman was hurt in a Jan. 11 contest against the Calgary Flames when his knee collided awkwardly with Flames forward Garnet Hathaway. He was subsequently placed on injured reserve with a three-to-six-week recovery timeframe, so his return is well ahead of schedule.

After 44 games, Hedman was very much in the conversation for the Norris Trophy, registering six goals and 27 assists while logging over 25 minutes in ice time per night.