Sunday, January 01, 2012

Hedman Joins Concussion Parade

The Tampa Bay Lightning have received some pretty bad news, regarding one of their top defensemen, as Victor Hedman has been diagnosed with a concussion, which will now keep him out of the line-up indefinitely. As of Sunday morning, there is no real timeline for his return, but at the end of Week Fourteen, we may have a better idea, as that will be when he faces his first baseline tests, in preparation for a return. The Lightning will certainly be careful with one of their prized young players, so I wouldn't believe that he'll be back too soon.

Hedman has not been having the season that many would have expected out of him, as the young defenseman has only scored 2 goals and 4 assists through 32 games with the Bolts, but there is still plenty of growth left in his game.  Hedman is an everyday player for the other dimensions that he brings to the team, like his size, general physical play and defensive coverage.  There is no doubt that there is an offensive upside to his game, it has yet to flourish under the defensive systems in place for the Lightning.

ImplicationsHedman belongs to Allan S. in the draft this year and his injuries are now starting to add up a bit, with Martin Havlat and Tyler Myers already on the shelf with long-term injuries.

In the week, Allan has sunk down to 13th spot, following Saturday night's action, now 12 points out of the top 10 and has the certain possibility that he could drop a little further, if these injuries do not get any better soon.  Allan only sits 4 points up on 14th spot going into Sunday's action.

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