Tampa Bay Lightning star defenseman Victor Hedman missed stretches of action due to a combination of physical ailments, including a required elbow surgery that sidelined him for weeks, lower-body issues, and a subsequent personal leave of absence. While these layered physical hurdles and temporary absences kept him out of the active lineup during crucial regular-season games and the initial postseason rounds, he has since completed his rehabilitation and returned to active roster availability following his activation from long-term injured reserve.