Hello, hockey fans! If you love following the NHL and admire world-class, Victor Hedman is a name you’ll recognize instantly. Victor Hedman is a Swedish professional ice hockey defenseman, best known as the star blueliner for the Tampa Bay Lightning in the NHL and one of the elite defensemen of his era. He has won multiple major NHL awards and two Stanley Cups while becoming a core face of the Lightning franchise.
Victor Hedman’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Victor Erik Olof Hedman |
| Nickname | Vic, Heddy, Heds |
| Date of Birth | December 18, 1990 |
| Age | 34 years old |
| Birthplace | Örnsköldsvik, Sweden |
| Nationality | Swedish |
| Height | 6’7″ (198 cm) |
| Weight | 244-245 lbs (111 kg) |
| Position | Defenseman |
| Jersey Number | 77 |
| College | N/A |
| Turned Professional | Age 16 (2007) with Modo Hockey |
| Current Team | Tampa Bay Lightning |
| Team Captain | Yes |
| Spouse | Sanna Grundberg |
| Children | Rio Hedman , Viggo Hedman |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Profile | @vichedman77 |
| Net Worth | Approximately $14 million |
| Current Annual Salary | $8,000,000 |
Early Career
Victor Hedman’s path to professional hockey was unconventional. Initially, he harbored dreams of becoming a goaltender and would spend hours in goalie pads as a young child. His father, Olle Hedman, recognized his son’s potential as an outfield player and famously offered him a new helmet if he would switch positions—an incentive that worked perfectly. At age 16, after showing promise in youth leagues, Hedman joined Modo Hockey’s professional team in the Swedish Elite League (Elitserien), making him one of the youngest players to turn professional in the league.
During the 2008-09 season, he was named SHL Rookie of the Year and ranked first overall in International Scouting Services’ preliminary rankings for the upcoming NHL Draft. His international success at the 2009 World Junior Championships cemented his status as a prospect destined for stardom, with NHL scouts considering him the top European skater heading into draft day.
Professional Career
Victor Hedman was selected second overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, just behind John Tavares. He made an immediate impact, appearing in 74 games as a rookie and beginning what would become a legendary tenure with the Lightning organization. Hedman’s early years with Tampa Bay showcased his development as a complete two-way defenseman, but it wasn’t until the 2013-14 season that his offense truly exploded onto the scene.
That year, he recorded 55 points, signaling his arrival as an elite performer. Over the next several years, Hedman established himself among the league’s premier defensemen, consistently placing in the top two percent in scoring among players at his position. The 2017-18 season represented his peak individual achievement when he won the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman, cementing his legacy.
However, Hedman’s career reached its greatest height during the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs when he was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner, recording a remarkable 10 goals and 12 assists in 25 games—the third-most goals by a defenseman in a single postseason. His continued excellence earned him six Norris Trophy finalist nominations and consistent All-Star selections.
Wife
Victor Hedman shares a deeply private but committed relationship with his wife, Sanna Grundberg, whom he married on July 23, 2017, in their hometown of Örnsköldsvik, Sweden. The couple had been together for several years before tying the knot, keeping their relationship largely out of the public eye despite Hedman’s prominence in professional hockey. Together, they have two sons: Rio, born on October 14, 2020, just two weeks after Hedman won his first Stanley Cup championship, and Viggo, born in January 2023.
The timing of Rio’s birth created a magical moment in Hedman’s life—he was able to celebrate winning the Stanley Cup and then immediately return home to welcome his first son into the world. Both children have become part of the Hedman family narrative, with Victor frequently posting about fatherhood on social media. Sanna has been instrumental in maintaining family stability while supporting Victor’s demanding NHL career, and the couple is known for their commitment to privacy and family values despite living in the spotlight.
Victor Hedman’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Victor Hedman’s net worth is estimated at approximately $14 million. This substantial wealth stems from his lucrative NHL contracts, endorsement deals, and various business ventures. Over his 16-season NHL career, Hedman has earned more than $84.78 million in salary alone, ranking him among the top earners in franchise history. His net worth continues to grow through his current four-year, $32 million contract extension with the Lightning (signed July 1, 2024), which guarantees him $8 million annually through the 2028-29 season. Beyond his base salary, Hedman earns additional income through signing bonuses and performance incentives, including $25.5 million in potential bonus earnings over his current contract. His financial portfolio has been further enhanced by endorsement partnerships with major brands including EA Sports, Bauer, Titleist, and FootJoy, collectively worth millions annually.
Prize Money
| Award/Achievement | Year(s) | Details |
| Stanley Cup Championships | 2020, 2021 | Two consecutive championships with Tampa Bay Lightning; prize money included championship bonuses |
| Conn Smythe Trophy (Playoff MVP) | 2020 | Won as playoff MVP with 10 goals, 12 assists in 25 games; includes cash award and honor |
| Norris Trophy | 2017-18 | Best Defenseman in NHL; includes award and monetary compensation |
| Norris Trophy Finalist | 2016-17, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2024-25 | Six finalist nominations demonstrating sustained excellence |
| NHL All-Star Selection | Multiple years | Multiple selections to NHL All-Star Games and All-Star Teams |
| SHL Rookie of the Year | 2008-09 | Awarded for outstanding performance in Swedish Elite League |
| World Junior Championship (Sweden) | 2009 | International competition success |
| Swedish National Team Captain | January 2025 | Appointed captain for Sweden national team; significant honor |
| Stanley Cup Bonuses | 2020, 2021 | Each player on championship team receives playoff bonus pool distribution |
Endorsements
- EA Sports – Features prominently in the NHL video game series with high overall ratings
- Bauer Hockey – Equipment supplier; Hedman uses Bauer sticks, skates, gloves, and protective gear
- Titleist Golf – Partners with the professional golfer-turned-hockey player for golf equipment endorsements
- FootJoy Golf – Supplies golf shoes and apparel; Hedman is an avid golfer
- MassMutual – Financial services company featuring Hedman in advertising campaigns
- CCM-Reebok – Early career endorsement deal signed after being drafted in 2009
- NOSOLO – International brand partnership for lifestyle products
- Tampa Bay Lightning – Official team merchandise and branding
Career Records
| Record/Achievement | Details |
| Career Games Played | 1,149+ games (most games played by Lightning defenseman) |
| Career Goals | 171 goals |
| Career Assists | 635+ assists (one of highest-scoring defensemen in NHL) |
| Career Points | 806+ points |
| Career Playoff Games | 165 postseason games |
| Career Playoff Points | 117 points (23 goals, 94 assists) |
| Plus/Minus Rating | +193 (excellent two-way play indicator) |
| Consecutive Norris Finalist | 6 consecutive years (2016-2022) |
| 800th Career Point | Became 3rd Swedish-born defenseman to reach this milestone (October 2025) |
| Fastest Defenseman at 6’7″ | Recognized for exceptional skating ability for size |
| Stanley Cup Finals Goals | 3 game-winning goals in playoffs (including Cup-clinching goals) |
| Playoff MVP (Conn Smythe) | Only 11 defensemen in NHL history have won this award |
| Lightning Captain | Current team captain; first Lightning defenseman to captain since inception |
FAQs
1. What is Victor Hedman’s nationality and where is he from?
Victor Hedman is Swedish, born in Örnsköldsvik, a small town in central Sweden known for producing elite hockey talent. The town of just 25,000 people has also produced Peter Forsberg, Markus Naslund, and the Sedin twins, making it one of the most hockey-rich communities globally.
2. How tall and how much does Victor Hedman weigh?
Victor Hedman stands 6’7″ (198 cm) tall and weighs approximately 244-245 pounds (111 kg). His size combined with exceptional skating ability makes him a uniquely dominant defenseman, often compared to Hall of Famer Chris Pronger due to similar dimensions and playing style.
3. How much money does Victor Hedman make annually?
For the 2025-26 season, Victor Hedman earns an annual salary of $8,000,000. This is his cap hit under a four-year, $32 million contract extension signed on July 1, 2024. His contract includes performance bonuses and signing bonuses that can increase his total annual compensation beyond the base $8 million figure.
4. Is Victor Hedman married, and does he have children?
Yes, Victor Hedman is married to Sanna Grundberg, whom he wed on July 23, 2017, in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden. They have two children together: son Rio (born October 14, 2020) and son Viggo (born January 2023). The family maintains a relatively private lifestyle despite Victor’s prominence in professional hockey.
5. What major awards has Victor Hedman won in his NHL career?
Victor Hedman’s major achievements include winning the Stanley Cup twice (2020, 2021), the Conn Smythe Trophy (2020 playoff MVP), the Norris Trophy for best defenseman (2017-18 season), and six Norris Trophy finalist nominations. He’s been selected to multiple All-Star teams and was recently named captain of the Swedish national team in January 2025.
6. How much is Victor Hedman’s net worth in 2025?
Victor Hedman’s estimated net worth is approximately $14 million as of 2025. This wealth accumulates from his NHL salary (over $84.78 million in career earnings), Stanley Cup bonuses, endorsement deals with major brands like Bauer, EA Sports, Titleist, and FootJoy, and various investment ventures.
7. What is Victor Hedman’s Instagram handle, and how many followers does he have?
Victor Hedman’s Instagram handle is @vichedman77, and he has approximately 68,000 followers. His account features content related to his professional hockey career, family moments, community involvement, and charitable work with the Tampa Bay area.
8. When did Victor Hedman turn professional, and what was his path to the NHL?
Victor Hedman turned professional at age 16 when he joined Modo Hockey in the Swedish Elite League (Elitserien) in 2007. He developed through Swedish professional ranks, was named SHL Rookie of the Year for the 2008-09 season, and was drafted second overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
9. What are Victor Hedman’s main endorsement deals?
Victor Hedman’s primary endorsement partners include EA Sports (featured in NHL video game series), Bauer Hockey (equipment), Titleist and FootJoy (golf equipment), MassMutual (financial services), and NOSOLO (lifestyle brand). These deals collectively generate millions annually beyond his NHL salary.
10. What makes Victor Hedman unique compared to other NHL defensemen?
Victor Hedman’s uniqueness stems from his rare combination of size (6’7″), elite skating ability, hockey intelligence, and offensive skill. Few defensemen his size can skate at NHL speeds, yet Hedman is recognized as one of the fastest skaters regardless of position. His ability to generate offense (800+ career points) while maintaining excellent defensive responsibility (+193 plus-minus) makes him a generational talent who will likely finish his career in the upper echelon of defensemen all-time.