Victor Hedman speaks with media following 7-0 shutout win against the Flyers Tampa Bay Lightning star defenseman Victor Hedman has spent the entirety of his 15-year career with the club. He has been their top defenseman for many years, and that continued this season. In 78 games, the 33-year-old had 13 goals, 76 points, and a plus-18 rating. Given Hedman's importance to the team, keeping him around naturally should be a priority for the Lightning. He is entering the final season of his contract, which means that is eligible to sign an extension this offseason. As a result, GM Julien BriseBois discussed that with reporters. Victor Hedman [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAyNjczNDcwNjU4NTg1NjY4/usatsi_21958119.jpg] Victor Hedman Here's what BriseBois had to say on the matter: "I talked to his agent... just very preliminary. We're going to circle back once we have time to debrief here. But, obviously, we'd love to keep Victor going forward. He's an elite defenseman. He's one of those special, all-time players and all-time great Tampa Bay Lightning and Bolt. He's still super productive, and I have no reason to believe that's not going to be the case going forward. We have a better understanding of where the cap is, at least now and next year. There is a new CBA that's going to come in at some point. There are rumors of expansion drafts. We're trying to factor all that in, but the plan would be to keep Victor going forward, obviously." Hearing that BriseBois is already talking to Hedman's agent and making it clear that he envisions him staying is certainly promising news. Now, we will need to wait and see if he can get him signed to an extension this offseason from here.
