Is Lightning’s Victor Hedman returning for Game 7 vs. Canadiens?

The Tampa Bay Lightning are playing a pivotal Game 7 on Sunday against the Montreal Canadiens. The winner will advance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Tampa Bay’s Victor Hedman has not played during this postseason, but was seen skating ahead of Game 7.

A photo of Hedman was released by NHL reporter Pierre LeBrun on X, formerly Twitter.

Victor Hedman still out here with the scratches at optional skate this morning. Jon Cooper meets media at 430 pm ET ahead of Game 7. pic.twitter.com/hgKSxMUEwL

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 3, 2026

Hedman is considered doubtful for Game 7, per NHL.com. He has been dealing with personal issues as well as an injury, that kept him limited this season on the ice. Here’s everything we know about his game status ahead of Sunday’s contest.

Victor Hedman’s game status vs. Canadiens

Hedman is not likely to play on Sunday, at time of writing, due to that report. It is clear however that the defenseman has been making strides at a return to action. He could technically make a surprise appearance, but that would be unlikely.

“He’s been practicing with the team for a week and did on-ice work following the optional Sunday. Coach Jon Cooper said prior to Game 6 on Friday that the 35-year-old defenseman “would be an option soon” but did not offer any further details,” the outlet reported.

Lightning players are fired up for this Game 7.

“It’s been unreal, to be honest,” Lightning forward Brandon Hagel said. “Both teams had 106 points during the regular season coming into this series. They’re a really, really good hockey team over there. We’re a really, really good hockey team here, so I don’t think we expected anything else than what’s been going on here.

“They have incredible players. They have everything over there and we have everything over here, so there’s no doubt in my mind that’s why the series is going the way we expected it to.”

Tampa Bay plays Montreal Sunday at 6:00 ET. The winner goes on to play the Buffalo Sabres in the next round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

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