Victor Hedman to Miss Saturday's Game; Veteran Defenseman Coming Off Rebound Season

Victor Hedman will miss Saturday's game against Florida due to an undisclosed injury. The 33-year-old defenseman is coming off a strong 2023-24 season where he bounced back with 13 goals and 76 points in 78 games, including 31 power-play points. During the offseason, Hedman signed a four-year, $32 million contract extension and is expected to log significant minutes in all situations for the Tampa Bay Lightning. A Norris Trophy winner and multiple-time nominee, Hedman has consistently been a top-tier fantasy option, with career highs of 85 points in 2021-22 and a Conn Smythe Trophy in 2019-20. He is projected to reach the 70-point mark again in 2024-25.