The Tampa Bay Lightning have locked up a franchise cornerstone.
The Lightning announced Tuesday that defenceman Victor Hedman had agreed to a new four-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $8 million that begins in 2025-26.
Hedman, 33, is entering the final year of an eight-year, $63-million contract.
Hedman is a six-time Norris Trophy finalist and he won the award in 2018. The 15-year veteran has skated in 1,052 games with the Lightning, scoring 728 points.
In the playoffs, Hedman has led the Lightning to the Stanley Cup Final four times, including winning two championships. He captured the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2020.
The Tampa Bay Lightning have secured the services of star defenseman Victor Hedman for the foreseeable future, as the team announced that they have signed him to a four-year contract extension. The deal, reportedly worth $26 million, will keep Hedman in Tampa Bay through the 2024-25 season.
Hedman, who was selected second overall by the Lightning in the 2009 NHL Draft, has been a cornerstone of the team’s defense for over a decade. The 30-year-old Swede has consistently been one of the top defensemen in the league, earning three nominations for the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman and winning the award in 2018.
In addition to his defensive prowess, Hedman has also been a key contributor on the offensive end, regularly putting up double-digit goals and 40-plus points in a season. His ability to quarterback the power play and jump into the rush has made him a valuable asset for the Lightning.
With this contract extension, the Lightning have ensured that they will continue to have one of the top defensemen in the league anchoring their blue line for the next four years. Hedman’s leadership both on and off the ice will be crucial as the team looks to build on their recent success, including winning the Stanley Cup in 2020.
Fans of the Lightning can rest easy knowing that Hedman will be wearing their team’s jersey for years to come, as he continues to solidify his legacy as one of the best defensemen in franchise history. His combination of skill, size, and hockey IQ make him a rare talent, and his presence on the ice will be invaluable as the Lightning strive for more postseason success in the coming years.