TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Lightning selected Victor Hedman as the team captain on Wednesday as training camp opened, making the big defenseman the successor to Steven Stamkos.

Hedman, who is going into his 16th season with Tampa Bay, was considered the obvious choice to get the “C” after the Lightning did not re-sign Stamkos and their longtime captain left to join Nashville.

“It means the world, obviously. For me to lead this team is a great honor. It’s a big privilege and a big responsibility, but I’ve learned from a lot of great leaders, (especially) my good friend ‘Stammer,’ who’s been my captain for the last 10-11 years,” Hedman said.

“I’m not going to change the way I am and the way I approach my game,” the 33-year-old from Sweden added. "There’s a lot more responsibility wearing that ‘C,' but to do it for the team that I’ve played with for 15 years means the world to me.”

General manager Julien BriseBois called Hedman "a cornerstone player that is extremely well respected by his teammates, coaches and peers across the NHL."

“Over the past 15 seasons, he has been a world-class representative for our organization both on and off the ice. Victor embodies what it means to be a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning and is more than ready for this exciting opportunity,” the GM added. "We are looking forward to watching him flourish in his new role as we continue to work towards our goal of winning the Stanley Cup.”

Hedman was a key contributor in the Lightning hoisting the Cup back to back in 2020 and '21, including playoff MVP honors on the first of those championship runs. Hedman also took home the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman in 2018 and finished in the top three in voting five other seasons.

Ryan McDonagh, who was reacquired early in the offseason in a trade with the Predators, and MVP finalist Nikita Kucherov will serve as alternate captains with the Lightning moving on to the post-Stamkos era.

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The Associated Press