Victor Hedman Finally Living Up to the Hype?

[Matches]

Yes it is still extremely early in the season, but is this the Hedman we were expecting when he entered the league?

Is it a circumstance of his surroundings(couple of vet d-men coming in) or did it just take this long to develop in the big leagues.

 

[TanguayFan]

He had a fantastic season last year, and arguably should have gotten serious consideration for the Norris. While I don't expect him to lead the league in scoring this year, he's benefitting from being on a potentially explosive offensive team. Great to see.....

 

[MMarch]

He's only 23 years old and now has 5 years of NHL experience under his belt. I think he was rushed into the NHL at 18 with no major junior or college experience to adapt to adapt to the "North American" style of the game. Many teams have put 18 year old high draft picks into the NHL and it ruined them, a bunch are now stuck in the AHL or lower, European leagues, or out of hockey altogether. Hedman survived as he is an upper level to elite talent and he will be just fine. Sometimes it takes awhile for players to adjust and grow into the game here, rushing kids into the NHL doesn't always work. RNH is a prime example, that kid would have been much better served to get more junior experience or AHL once he was eligible. I think he has the talent to survive, but how long before he catches up and his elite talent is realized at the NHL level?

 

[RGM81]

^^ Well said.

So many teams these days seemingly have to wheel in the latest young superstar draft pick to help sell tickets and produce evidence of "better days are ahead." It stunts the growth and development of that player having to jump from playing with other boys to playing with men.

For an example of a potentially ruined blueliner, look no further than Tyler Myers. He's been a victim of circumstance in Buffalo, asked to do way too much as a young D-man without any strong veteran support. Having Gorges there will do him a world of good. And just imagine the dual mem cards!

 

[langway05]

That improved defense will be tested without stud blue liner Victor Hedman

Victor Hedman was having the best start of his six-year NHL career in 2014-15, having scored three goals, including the overtime game-winner in the season opener, assisting on four and recording seven points, the most for a defenseman in the NHL through the first week of the season.

Somewhere in the second period of Saturday's victory at Vancouver, however, Hedman went to the bench and down the tunnel for what the team is calling an upper-body injury and never returned.

Following the game, Cooper said Hedman would return to Tampa for further evaluation and would likely miss the remainder of the road trip. When asked if it was an issue with his hand, which he appeared to be holding as he left the ice, Cooper's reply to reporters was "draw your own conclusions".

Losing Hedman for an extended period of time will be a huge blow to the Lightning but one they have experience dealing with. The Bolts were without Stamkos for 45 games last season, yet still managed a second-place finish in the Atlantic Division. Likewise, Bishop hurt his wrist in January and played in pain for the remainder of the season until a second injury knocked him out of the last week of the regular season and the playoffs.

The Bolts learned last season how to continue winning without its best players. Unfortunately, it looks like they'll have to draw on that experience again, at least in the short term until the extent of Hedman's injury is known.