Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman is "doubtful" to play in Round 1 against the Montreal Canadiens, head coach Jon Cooper told reporters Tuesday.
"I wouldn't rule anything out, but I'd put (him) on the doubtful side for this series," Cooper said, according to Jay Recher.
Hedman hasn't suited up since March 19. The team announced March 25 that he was taking a leave of absence for personal reasons.
The 35-year-old is with the club, as he took part in an optional team skate ahead of Tuesday's Game 2.
Hedman posted 17 points in 33 games with the Lightning this season, averaging a career-low 18:52 per contest. He also missed time earlier in the campaign with an elbow injury that required surgery.
Tampa Bay's blue-line depth will be tested further in Game 2, as Declan Carlile will draw in for an injured Charle-Edouard D'Astous, Cooper announced.
