Lightning give Hedman captaincy: 'It means the world'

The Tampa Bay Lightning named Victor Hedman the 11th captain in club history Wednesday.

Hedman succeeds Steven Stamkos after the former Lightning captain signed with the Nashville Predators in the offseason.

"It means the world ... to lead this team," Hedman said, according to the Tampa Bay Times' Eduardo A. Encina. "It's going to be obviously a great honor. To get that C on your jersey, it's a big privilege and a big responsibility, obviously. But I've learned from a lot of great leaders."

Nikita Kucherov and Ryan McDonagh will serve as Tampa Bay's alternate captains.

"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."

Entering his 16th NHL season, Hedman's the longest-tenured player on the Lightning after the Bolts drafted him second overall in 2009.

The 6-foot-7 defenseman has won two Stanley Cups, one Norris Trophy, and one Conn Smythe Trophy in his career.

Hedman was a Norris Trophy finalist for six straight years from 2017-22. The 33-year-old finished sixth in 2023-24 after a 76-point campaign.

Four NHL teams remain without a captain: the Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, Seattle Kraken, and Utah.