
SportsPulse: NHL insider Kevin Allen breaks down the first half of the season and gives us his picks for best story line, MVP and rookie of the year. USA TODAY Sports
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman will miss the All-Star Game and beyond after the team announced Friday that he will be out three to six weeks with a lower-body injury.
Hedman was injured Thursday night, leaving early during a 5-1 loss to the Calgary Flames when he got tangled up with winger Garnet Hathaway. He appeared to injure his knee, had problems putting weight on his leg and did not return to the game.
Potential Hedman injury here. This does not look great. pic.twitter.com/0M6zfKLNYS
— Ian McLaren (@iancmclaren) January 12, 2018
Hedman was one of four Lightning players scheduled to play in the Jan. 28 All-Star Game in Tampa.
More: All-Star-worthy players who missed out
More: NHL awards leaders at midseason
While the NHL has plenty of options to replace Hedman in that game, including Charlie McAvoy (Boston Bruins) and Morgan Rielly (Toronto Maple Leafs), it will be harder for the Lightning to overcome his loss.
Hedman was considered in the mix this season for the Norris Trophy, awarded to the league's outstanding defenseman. He played nearly 26 minutes a game and led the league with a +24 rating while racking up 33 points in 44 games for the No. 1 overall Lightning.
In Hedman's absence Thursday, Mikhail Sergachev assumed his place on Tampa Bay's No. 1 power-play unit.
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