Is Lightning’s Victor Hedman returning vs. Canadiens? Jon Cooper dumps cold water on possibility

The Tampa Bay Lightning are patiently awaiting the return of captain Victor Hedman — but it doesn’t look like that will happen unless they’re able to beat the Montreal Canadiens in their first-round Stanley Cup Playoff series.

Although Hedman took part in Tampa’s optional skate on Tuesday morning ahead of Game 2 at Benchmark International Arena, head coach Jon Cooper provided a hugely disappointing update shortly afterwards.

“I wouldn’t rule anything out, but I’d put (him) on the doubtful side for this series,” Cooper told reporters, including Pierre LeBrun, who is covering the series for The Athletic.

Hedman hasn’t played since March 19, and the team announced he would be taking a leave of absence for personal reasons the next week. It’s not entirely clear what is ailing the Swedish defenseman.

The 35-year-old has only suited up for 33 contests in 2025-26, as he has dealt with a multitude of injuries. He’s chipped in 17 points in that span, while skating a career-low 18:52 per game.

Along with Hedman, the Bolts will also be without Charle-Edouard D’Astous, who was injured on a big hit from Canadiens forward Josh Anderson in Game 1. He was able to skate off under his own power, but it remains to be seen whether he will be an option at all for the rest of the series.

Declan Carlile will draw into the lineup to replace D’Astous, Cooper said. The 25-year-old appeared in 42 games this season, managing a goal and three points. Forward Scott Sabourin is also set to play after following 26 tilts in the regular-season. He chipped in five points and 89 penalty minutes in that span.

The Lightning have already lost home-ice advantage after losing 4-3 in overtime in Game 1 on Sunday evening. Tampa Bay took five penalties in the contest, and the Canadiens made them pay, scoring three times.

That included in overtime, when Juraj Slafkovsky completed the hat trick with the man advantage to give Montreal a 1-0 series lead. Tampa would hate to go to the Bell Centre down 2-0, and will need to be more disciplined as they look to secure their first victory of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The post Is Lightning’s Victor Hedman returning vs. Canadiens? Jon Cooper dumps cold water on possibility appeared first on ClutchPoints.