Victor Hedman reveals Lightning absence was due to mental health

For a couple of months, there have been questions about the undisclosed personal reasons behind why Tampa Bay Lightning superstar defenseman and captain Victor Hedman was out.

On Tuesday, in a lengthy statement posted on social media, Hedman spoke out about what was behind that absence.

“I made the decision to step away and focus on my mental health,” read the statement. “It was not an easy decision, but it was the right one.”

“I’ve always believed that being a leader means doing what’s best for the team,” it continued. “In this case, it also meant doing what was necessary to take care of myself, so I can be the best player, teammate, husband and father I expect to be.”

He added that he’s in a “much better place today.”