Lightning’s towering rookie defenseman has the skill to match his massive size – and he’ll have some help finding his way.
THE LOOK ON VICTOR HEDMAN’S face when the subject of new Tampa Bay teammate Mattias Ohlund comes up is priceless. You have to tilt your head way up to see it, but the 6-foot-6 rookie defenseman is very pleased.
“For me, it feels good to have a fellow countryman on the team,” said Hedman of the veteran Swede. “He makes the team better as soon as he steps on the ice.”
Not only does Ohlund bring his own play to the table, but he will also elevate Hedman’s game, much in the same way veteran Mattias Timander helped Hedman with Sweden’s Modo team last season.
As the No. 2 overall pick in the 2009 draft, there are big expectations for Hedman, whose combination of size, skating and puckhandling ability will make him a difficult beast to contain. And with the additions of Ohlund, Kurtis Foster, Matt Walker and David Hale, the Bolts now have plenty of options – and finally, some depth – on the blueline, meaning Hedman won’t have to carry the weight on his newbie shoulders. Nonetheless, he’s been going up against full-grown men for a couple of years in Sweden’s top circuit, so stage fright shouldn’t be an issue. Last season, Hedman collected seven goals and 21 points in 43 games – and he didn’t turn 18 until December.
With 220 pounds on his frame, Hedman already has bulk, but spent the summer following a special exercise program given to him by the Lightning. Entering his first NHL campaign, the superb Swede is feeling good.
“It feels like I’m very fit,” Hedman said. “I’ve been preparing myself and my body for it and I’ve been on the ice since the last week of July, so I feel like I’m ready for it.”
The question is, are opposing NHL teams ready for a towering puck-mover barreling towards them with confidence, especially with players such as Vincent Lecavalier, Martin St-Louis and Steven Stamkos on the receiving end of those passes?
While Hedman is one of the pre-season favorites to earn the Calder Trophy, he’s certainly not the only rookie in the East with promise.