Victor Hedman to Miss Lightning Game in Utah
The Tampa Bay Lightning will play without defenseman Victor Hedman on October 24, 2026, due to a lower-body injury.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Hockey
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The Tampa Bay Lightning have ruled 35-year-old defenseman Victor Hedman out for the October 24, 2026, game against the Utah Mammoth. Hedman sustained a lower-body injury during a match against the Colorado Avalanche on October 23.
Why it matters
The veteran defenseman, currently in his 18th NHL season, has been a key contributor for Tampa Bay with four points over 10 games played. His day-to-day status leaves the Lightning defense shorthanded as they face Utah.
Hedman recorded only 5:56 of ice time and a single shift in the second period of the October 23 game before exiting. He has tallied two goals and four points across his 10 appearances during this campaign.
The players
Victor Hedman
A veteran defenseman currently in his 18th season with the Tampa Bay Lightning organization.
Tampa Bay Lightning
A professional ice hockey team based in Tampa that competes in the National Hockey League.
Utah Mammoth
A professional ice hockey team that is serving as the Lightning opponent on October 24.
The details
Hedman left the ice early during the 6-3 loss to the Colorado Avalanche after appearing in just one shift during the second period. The team has listed the defenseman as day-to-day following his premature exit from that contest.
Timeline
October 23, 2026: Victor Hedman sustained a lower-body injury.
October 24, 2026: Victor Hedman is ruled out for the game against the Utah Mammoth.
Season Trajectory
Hedman's status impacts the Lightning defensive depth as they navigate a dense regular-season schedule. His absence forces a reconfiguration of the team's defensive pairings during this critical early-season stretch.
Fantasy managers should immediately swap Hedman out of active rosters given his confirmed absence for the Utah game. The Lightning will need to adjust their defensive rotations to compensate for the missing veteran presence on the ice.
The takeaway
Reliability and health management become central themes for veteran players navigating an 18-season career in the NHL. Coaches and medical staff prioritize rest to prevent short-term injuries from becoming long-term roster deficits.
Further reading
For more news on the team, visit the Tampa Hockey section.
Live Poll
Do you still plan to attend the game despite your favorite star player being sidelined?
