Bolts by the Bay
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Tampa Bay Lightning Mount Rushmore

By Brandon Gunn

Jun 28, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; A general view of the entrance to Amalie Arena before game one of the 2021 Stanley Cup Final between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 28, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; A general view of the entrance to Amalie Arena before game one of the 2021 Stanley Cup Final between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 6, 2020; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (77) shoots against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2020; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (77) shoots against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Early Years

Victor Hedman, similar to Stamkos, was drafted with high hopes at the top of the draft. His stellar career while playing juniors in Sweden was ranked amongst prospects going into the 2009 NHL draft. He ranked as the top-rated European player, as the only player he was looking up in the rankings was John Tavares. Hedman broke into the league right after being drafted, playing in 74 games. He was viewed as a rising star since breaking into the league and has fulfilled those projections since.

Rise To Stardom

After returning from the KHL after the NHL lockout in 2012-2013, Hedman broke out. His steady play was resulting in him being regarded as one of the best defensemen in the NHL.  In the 2016-2017 season, he was a finalist for the Norris Trophy as the league’s top defenseman. He would win the award in 2018 while also being a finalist in two of the next three seasons. Hedman has played in five all-star games in his career. At just 30 years of age, Hedman is in his prime and could add to his already stellar career.

The Case For Mt. Rushmore

Hedman has been a workhorse on the defensive corps, eating minutes against the opposition’s top players. This role was recognized while winning his second Stanley Cup as he was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2021 as the MVP of the playoffs. He is top 5 in franchise history in regular-season games played (816), assists (404), points (518), plus/minus (+121), and total goals on-ice for (1099).  His playoff totals rank him second in assists (69) and points (88) while averaging a franchise leading 25:03 minutes of ice time. It can be argued that Hedman has been the MVP on the Lightning over the last 10 years. As a result, Hedman’s face (and hopefully great playoff beard) would take the fourth and final spot on Mt. Rushmore.

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