Tampa Bay Lightning’s assistant coach Rob Zettler confirmed that Brayden Point, Victor Hedman, Charle-Edouard D’Astous, and Emil Martinsen Lilleberg are all expected to return for the team’s upcoming game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. This game marks a significant moment for the Lightning as they prepare to strengthen their roster after several injuries.
Victor Hedman’s Return and Recent Challenges
Victor Hedman had previously missed nearly two months due to elbow surgery but made a noteworthy return on February 1 during Tampa Bay’s dramatic Stadium Series victory over Boston. However, the team captain then left to represent Team Sweden at the Olympics in Milan, where he suffered a lower-body injury during warmups before a game against the United States, prematurely ending his Olympic participation. At 35 years old, Hedman is set to resume playing after recording 13 assists in just 21 games this season, averaging over 20 minutes per night on ice.
Brayden Point’s Recovery and Expected Impact
Brayden Point, a key center for Tampa Bay, sustained a knee injury on January 12 which raised concerns among fans. Although initially aiming to rejoin Team Canada at the Olympics, he withdrew from the competition on February 5, allowing Seth Jarvis to take his place. Point has been utilizing the Olympic break to regain his form and is expected to provide a strong boost upon his return. Despite injuries affecting his season, Point had been performing well before his setback, with 19 points in 16 games. Overall, he has accumulated 30 points in 37 games, ranking sixth on the team in scoring despite his time away from the lineup.
Defensive Depth Strengthened by Lilleberg and D’Astous
Young defensemen Emil Martinsen Lilleberg and Charle-Edouard D’Astous have also been on injured reserve but are slated to be activated for this crucial matchup. Lilleberg has been sidelined since mid-December with an undisclosed injury; before that, the 25-year-old recorded six points in 32 games while averaging a career-high 17:21 minutes per game. Meanwhile, D’Astous suffered a lower-body injury following a collision during a game against Columbus on January 24. The 27-year-old left-handed defenseman has made an impact in his first season with Tampa Bay after three seasons playing in Sweden, appearing in 43 games with 17 points and logging over 19 minutes per night.
Lightning Poised for Success as Playoff Race Heats Up
With these players returning, Tampa Bay looks poised to continue their winning momentum, having secured five consecutive victories prior to the Olympic break. Currently, the Lightning trail the first-place Colorado Avalanche by just five points in the league standings, making every game critical. The upcoming game against Toronto carries added significance as Tampa Bay aims to solidify their position among the NHL’s elite by capitalizing on their reinforced lineup.
“Victor Hedman, Brayden Point, Charle-Edouard D‘Astous, and Emil Martinsen Lilleberg are all expected to return tomorrow against Toronto.” – Rob Zettler, Tampa Bay Assistant Coach
Injury updates: @TBLightning assistant coach Rob Zettler tells us Brayden Point, Emil Lilleberg, Charle-Edouard D’Astous and Victor Hedman are all expected to be ready to play tomorrow.#GoBolts
— Benjamin Pierce (@BenjaminJReport) February 24, 2026
