Victor Hedman Injury: Updates on Lightning Star's Finger and Return

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman was forced to leave Sunday's game against the Vancouver Canucks due to injury.

Continue for updates.

Wednesday, Nov. 26

Hedman Cleared for Contact

Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune has an update on Hedman's recovery:

Michelle Gingras of Lightning.com has a photo of the defenseman in action:

Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times has comments from Hedman on his recovery: 

Smith later provided more comments from Bowness and Hedman:

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"If he's in a regular jersey, he's very, very close," associate coach Rick Bowness said.

Hedman said he had a good meeting with the doctors Wednesday morning and "everything looks good." He's not using the splint for anything off-ice, but is working to get back into game shape.

"I hope to get in there as soon as I can," he said. "It takes a little while to get the timing back, but I'm very eager and very excited about getting back into the lineup."

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Thursday, Nov. 20

Hedman Still 7-14 Days From Return

Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune has an update on Victor Hedman's recovery from a finger injury:

Wednesday, Nov. 19

Hedman Not Yet Cleared for Shooting Drills

Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune has an update on Victor Hedman's recovery:

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Hedman had surgery on his right pointer finger four weeks ago, but is still wearing a splint. While he has begun skating in full gear, he has not been cleared for shooting drills, though he can do some stickhandling. The timetable for a four-to-six week recovery from the surgery date has not changed and the target date for a return is early December.

“I just keep plugging away,’’ Hedman said. “It’s good to be in full gear and skating around and touch the puck a little bit. It’s a process, so I’m just going to keep pushing forward.’’

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Thursday, Nov. 6

Cooper, Hedman Speak on Recovery

Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune has an update on Victor Hedman's status:

Monday, Oct. 20

Hedman Leaves Game vs. Canucks

Now, it appears he'll be missing in action for at least a month.   

Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times has the report:

Hedman has gotten off to a brilliant start this season for Tampa Bay, with three goals, four assists and a plus-minus of two in the team's first five games. It appeared he was building off of last season's excellent 55-point campaign and finally becoming the superstar the Lightning envisioned when they selected him No. 2 overall in the 2009 draft.

"We're going to test our depth," head coach Jon Cooper told The Associated Press, via ESPN.com. "It just puts a little more pressure on the [defensive] core."

Indeed, the Lightning will have to adapt without one of their key players. The hope will be that Hedman can hit the ground running once he is able to return and build off of his fast early start. Big things appear to be in store for the 23-year-old, even with this detour.