At the age of 33, Victor Hedman takes over the reins of the Tampa Bay Lightning heading into the 2024-25 NHL season as the team enters a new dawn with Steven Stamkos, the team’s former captain moving on from the team. The star defenseman is now expected to lead the way for the team as they seek to re-enter the competitive Stanley Cup Playoffs and make a deeper run for the Stanley Cup for the third time around.

Hedman initially signed a four-year, $32 million extension deal with the Lightning last July to keep him with the team through the 2028-29 season. With the team prioritizing a new, younger core, Stamkos opted to sign his talents elsewhere, joining the newly-formed super team of the Nashville Predators after inking a four-year, $32 million deal as well.

Stamkos held the role for a decade before moving on from the Lightning. He led them to two Stanley Cup victories and has definitely been a huge part of the team’s culture. Now the team looks up to Hedman to deliver the same level of success as he takes over the leadership role of the team now more than ever.

A New Era in Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay was the latest team to win back-to-back Stanley Cup championships over the past few years, but now the team enters a new era with the hopes of reigniting the team’s contender status in the game. So far, Tampa Bay has been on a losing stride in the playoffs since their last Stanley Cup win, and Hedman would definitely love to take his chance to lead the team to greatness once more.

"It means the world, obviously, for me to lead this team is a great honor," Hedman said. "It's a big privilege and a big responsibility, but I've learned from a lot of great leaders, [especially] my good friend ‘Stammer,’ who's been my captain for the last 10-11 years. I'm not going to change the way I am and the way I approach my game. There's a lot more responsibility wearing that 'C', but to do it for the team that I've played with for 15 years means the world to me."

Hedman’s leadership is a sign that the team is starting off a little bit fresh with their perspective in winning a championship. With the core almost still intact, one can say that the Lightning can find its way to the championship run, this time under Hedman’s lead should they be able to brave through the competitive Eastern Conference.

A New Decorated Captain

Like Stamkos, Hedman is definitely a deserving captain for the Lightning. He is a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the team and is historically one of the best defensemen in the game, leading the team in games (1,052), points (728), power-play points (259), short-handed points (14), overtime goals (eight), game-winning goals (28), shots on goal (2,241), hits (1,132), blocked shots (1,613) and takeaways (529).

It can also be remembered that Hedman won the Conn Smythe Trophy in the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs as the MVP. He was also a finalist for the Norris Trophy for six straight seasons from 2016 to 2022 – an award given to the best defenseman in the NHL. Now that he is a captain, it would not be easy for Hedman to deliver a huge success, but he is certainly willing to try and give it the best shot he can.