Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman and captain Victor Hedman has an elbow injury that will require surgery and keep him out for several weeks.

One day after he returned to injured reserve, the team announced Friday that Hedman will undergo a procedure on his elbow Monday. His goal is to be ready to represent Sweden at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan; the men’s hockey tournament begins Feb. 11.

“Hedman, he’s our captain — he’s a huge part of our team,” Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper told reporters. “But if it’s going to happen — which you don’t want it to — but if it is, it’s better it happens now than in April.”

Cooper confirmed Thursday that Hedman had aggravated a previously unspecified injury that caused him to miss 12 games earlier this season. Hedman returned Dec. 6 and played three games in four days before being placed back on IR.

Hedman, who turns 35 next week, has 12 points (all assists) in 18 appearances this season. He was the 2017-18 Norris Trophy winner for best defenseman in the league.

He has tallied 806 career points (171 goals, 635 assists), a plus-193 rating and 778 penalty minutes in 1,149 games with the Lightning, winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021.

–Field Level Media