Victor Hedman – Khal Drogo
From the moment he was drafted by the team in the First Round (Second Overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Tampa Bay Lightning fans knew there was something special about defenseman Victor Hedman. Hedman had both the size and the skill to be a solid defenseman in the National Hockey League.
While it may have taken a couple of seasons for Hedman to truly find his place in the Lightning lineup, he has definitely transformed into the driving force behind the Tampa Bay Lightning’s defense. That being said, there was a definite turning point in his career where his aforementioned transformation began.
Surprisingly enough, the NHL Lockout during the 2012-13 season proved to be the best thing that possibly could’ve happened to the now-26-year-old Lightning defenseman. During the lockout, Hedman went to the KHL to play for Barys Astana. We’re not sure what happened to Hedman during his time in the KHL, but it definitely changed Hedman’s career for the better.
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Ever since returning from the KHL, Hedman has been, hands down, the best offensive defenseman on the team. In the 2016-17 season, Victor Hedman reached a career high in offensive production.
In the 79 games he played with the Bolts last season, Hedman brought home 16 goals and a whopping 56 assists for a total of 72 points. Hedman led all Lightning defenseman in offensive production and finished in second place on the team in overall points.
In addition to his team records, Hedman finished in fourth place in the league in assists, topped only by Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid, Washington Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom, and Anaheim Ducks forward Ryan Getzlaf, respectively.
It is for these reasons; we have chosen to liken Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman to Games of Thrones resident badass, Khal Drogo. When we first meet Khal Drogo, we are impressed by his size and stature; however, we know little of his skill on the battlefield.
However, it isn’t long before fans realize Khal Drogo is not someone to be trifled with. If you mess with his people, or more specifically his bride or his unborn child, you will incur a wrath unlike any other seen in the realm. Still don’t believe me…here’s a look at what Khal Drogo did to his bride’s brother Viserys.
In addition to his fiery passion, Khal Drogo is hailed as one of the most skilled warriors in the realm. If there is any player on the Lightning roster who fits this bill, it is Lightning defenseman, Victor Hedman.
The good news is, the Tampa Bay Lightning will have this particular warrior in their army for quite some time. Only July 1, 2016, the Lightning came to terms with Hedman on an eight-year contract extension which will see Hedman in Lightning blue until the conclusion of the 2024-25 season.
We don’t know about you, but this is certainly music to the ears of those of us here at Bolts By The Bay.