Victor Hedman Out for Game 6, Could Return Sunday

victor hedman will not play for the Tampa Bay Lightning against the Montreal Canadiens tonight, leaving the team without its captain in Game 6. Jon Cooper said Hedman is going to be an option really soon, with Sunday mentioned as a possible return if Tampa Bay forces Game 7.

That makes Hedman’s status the clearest lineup swing in the series right now. The Lightning are trying to stave off elimination, and the decision to hold him out tonight leaves a gap on the blue line that could carry straight into the next game if this one extends the series.

Jon Cooper on Hedman

Cooper told the media that Hedman will be out tonight and that “He’s going to be an option really soon.” The coach also hinted that Hedman could potentially dress on Sunday if the Lightning force Game 7 against the Canadiens.

Hedman’s presence has carried extra weight because he is not just Tampa Bay’s captain. He is also a Norris Trophy and Conn Smythe Trophy winner, and the article says injuries slowed him down this season.

D’Astous returns tonight

Charle-Edouard D’Astous is likely to return from injury tonight, giving Tampa Bay a possible reinforcement on the other end of the roster shuffle. He has not played since Game 1 after suffering an undisclosed injury.

D’Astous’ season line helps explain why his return matters. He posted 29 points in 70 games, added 112 penalty minutes, and averaged 18:45 of ice time per game during the 2025-26 season.

The contrast is straightforward: one defenseman is out, another is on track to come back, and Tampa Bay has to manage that exchange in an elimination game. If the Lightning extend the series, Hedman could be in the mix on Sunday; if they do not, the roster question ends tonight.