MONTREAL — Victor Hedman didn't plan to celebrate the Tampa Bay Lightning’s winning streak with head coach Jon Cooper on Sunday night. Instead, the 32-year-old defenseman had a different priority in mind - captaining his home country of Sweden. With the Lightning on a roll, Hedman is now shifting his focus towards the international stage, where he will lead his native Sweden in the upcoming tournaments.
According to sources close to the team, Hedman has been looking forward to this opportunity for a while now. The chance to captain his country is a dream come true for the veteran defenseman, who has been an integral part of the Lightning’s success over the years. As he prepares to take on this new challenge, Hedman is expected to bring his trademark leadership and work ethic to the Swedish team.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Hedman expressed his excitement about the upcoming tournaments. 'It’s time to flip the switch and focus on something new,' he said. 'I’m honored to be given the opportunity to captain my country, and I’m looking forward to working with the coaching staff and my teammates to bring home a championship.' Hedman’s experience and skill will undoubtedly be a huge asset to the Swedish team, which is looking to make a deep run in the upcoming tournaments.
As the Lightning continue their winning streak, Hedman’s absence will undoubtedly be felt. However, his teammates are confident that he will return to the team refreshed and ready to go. 'Victor is a true leader, and we’re all excited to see him succeed on the international stage,' said Lightning captain Steven Stamkos. 'We know that he will bring his usual level of intensity and passion to the Swedish team, and we can’t wait to have him back when the time comes.'
With Hedman at the helm, the Swedish team is looking to make a statement in the upcoming tournaments. His leadership and experience will be crucial in guiding the team through the tough matches, and his teammates are confident that he will lead them to victory. As the hockey world watches with bated breath, one thing is certain - Victor Hedman is ready to take on the challenge of a lifetime and make his country proud.