The Lightning are keeping their superstar defenseman around.
Just one day after losing franchise legend Steven Stamkos, the Tampa Bay Lightning are keeping another one of them around.
The Lightning have signed star defenseman Victor Hedman to a four-year contract extension that carries an $8 million AAV. It will kick in during the 2025-26 season.
There was plenty of talk about a Hedman extension being on the way, and it has now officially come to fruition. With this move, the Lightning are retaining their No. 1 defenseman and do not need to worry about him hitting the free-agent market next summer because of it.
Hedman, 33, appeared in 78 regular-season games for the Lightning in 2023-24, posting 13 goals, 76 points, and a plus-18 rating. He also had one goal and seven points in five playoff games this year.