On Wednesday, Hedman trained with his Tampa Bay team for the first time after having elbow surgery on December 15. Although wearing a red jersey - it signals that he cannot be tackled - it is still a big step towards being able to play in the Olympics in Milan next month.
The comeback could possibly come as early as Sunday's NHL game against Boston.
"We'll see. I feel good. Today was a good step. Being out there during the whole training and getting every exercise in. I'm pumped," says Victor Hedman.
Coach Jon Cooper does not rule out that Hedman could play this weekend.
"He's definitely getting closer," Cooper says.
Sweden opens the Olympics against home nation Italy on February 11.
