Victor Hedman’s availability for Lightning vs. Canadiens unclear

The Tampa Bay Lightning could be without their captain for Round 1 against the Montreal Canadiens.

Victor Hedman has begun skating and is around the team, but he’s not available to play at the moment, per Lightning coach Jon Cooper.

The defenceman hasn’t played since March 19 due to an illness, and he then took a leave of absence from the team for personal reasons.

In 33 regular-season games — shortened by injuries — the Swede had one goal and 17 points.

The Lightning begin their first-round series with the Canadiens on Sunday (5:45 p.m. ET / 2:45 p.m. PT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+).

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