Victor Hedman becomes first Lightning player to register 600 assists

One of the best players in the game has reached an exceptional milestone.

On Thursday night, during a game against the Anaheim Ducks, Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman registered the 600th assist of his NHL career, becoming the first player in franchise history to reach the mark as a member of the team.

The point was picked up later in the first period, as Hedman picked up the secondary assist on Anthony Cirelli’s power-play goal.

It was Hedman’s 28th helper of the 2024-25 campaign.

The big Swedish defenseman is regarded as the best blueliner in franchise history by far and is arguably one of the team’s best players in general. Hedman has worn the uniform more than any other player, appearing in 1,093 games. He became first all-time in games played as a Bolt earlier this season when he surpassed former Tampa captain and current Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos.

Since Hedman was taken by the Lightning second overall in the 2009 NHL Draft, he has been an impact player at both ends of the rink. While he has only scored 20 goals once in his career, that coming during the 2021-22 season, the Ornskoldsvik native has registered 50 or more assists three times, including a career-high 65 three years ago. He’s also posted six 50-point seasons, notching 85 in 2021-22, while also scoring 76 points in 78 games this past year.

Hedman is ranked fifth all-time in team scoring with 763 points, 111 behind Vincent Lecavalier. He’s also seventh in goals with 163, 34 back of current teammate Alex Killorn. Hedman is also the franchise leader in plus/minus (+183).

Along with his regular-season numbers, Hedman has also appeared in 165 postseason games, scoring 23 goals and 94 assists for 117 points. He was a crucial asset in the Lightning’s runs to the Stanley Cup in 2020 and 2021, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2020.

In 41 games this season, Hedman as seven goals and 28 points.