Cooper: Hedman out Friday, hopeful to return for Global Series in Sweden

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman remains out Friday with a lower-body injury, but head coach Jon Cooper is optimistic that he'll play in next weekend's Global Series in his home country.

"He'll be out tonight, but we're hopeful for the game in Sweden," Cooper said, according to the Tampa Bay Times' Diana Nearhos. "So is everybody in the country of Sweden."

The Lightning are slated to take on the Buffalo Sabres in a two-game set next Friday and Saturday in Stockholm. The series sets up the much-anticipated matchup between Hedman and fellow countryman and 2018 first overall selection Rasmus Dahlin.

Hedman exited Tuesday's contest against the New York Rangers with a lower-body injury and didn't play the following night against the New Jersey Devils.

The 6-foot-6 rearguard has tallied two goals and nine points over 11 contests this season while logging 21:39 of ice time per game.

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