The world's best back.

We can now refer to him in this way.

With that said, Swedish ice hockey is certainly spoiled in this position.

Even if you can never get enough of world-class slopes, it is a position where the nation stands very strong. 

San José Sharks Erik Karlsson has dominated the league for several years, Buffalo's Rasmus Dahlin will do so.

If he does not already do so.

Two years ago, he became the first Swedish hill to be chosen as number 1 by Buffalo.

That year, 2018, five Swedish defenders were elected in the prestigious 1st round.

A record and a receipt that the future of that position is secured. 

In the final series, we also saw a match in the match between Hedman and Dallas backcountry John Klingberg.

Another Swedish defender - who also controls the offensive game on behalf of Dallas together with the Finn Miro Heiskanen. 

There are many more than the mentioned examples.

What we see here is the Swedish hill wonder.

No one who masters all three zones like Hedman

A defender's main task is to defend.

Protecting one's own goal, on the other hand, can be done in different ways.

All players mentioned in this text can be applied to the expression: Attack is the best defense.

None of the mentioned players performs that task according to the job description as Victor Hedman.

He is the total package.

A two-meter colossus that has few superiors in its position.

What I am most impressed by is his ability to carry around his gigantic body with the agility of a cat. 

His perception of the game and ability to quickly turn the game with passes to open strikers became almost a sign during the final series.

There are more flashy Swedish slopes than Hedman, we can establish that directly, but there is no one who masters all three zones like him.

There is no one who is so complete - in the world in his position.

Ice hockey has moved towards a faster game where less skilled defenders have celebrated great triumphs in recent years and will do so into the future.

Therefore, Hedman becomes unique with its dimensions.

A defender of his talent level, selected as the second player in 2009 by Tampa Bay, is also expected to take his organization to these heights.

Believe nothing else.

It was close already in 2015 but then the team fell on the finish line in the final series.

Foppa class - greater recognition is not possible

Only two Swedes through the ages have at the same age as Hedman been considered to be more talented before an NHL draft.

Mentioned Rasmus Dahlin and then Mats Sundin.

The only 1s in an NHL draft.

The expectations have thus been accordingly.

Gigantic. 

What became his 11th season in the NHL, this strange fall marked by covid 19, also became the season when Hedman's name was finally engraved in the giant trophy. 

He was also named the playoffs' most valuable player.

The only two Swedes who have been named the playoffs' most valuable players before Hedman are Nicklas Lidström and Henrik Zetterberg.

Not even Peter Forsberg, despite his enormous dominance in several playoffs, indeed every time he put his skates on the ice during his heyday, managed to win the prestigious award.

It puts his individual achievement in perspective.

Because remember, the players who win this award are the players who are the best when it comes to the most.

They are the best of the best. 

Foppa class, yes in this respect even better.

Greater recognition and grades are not available in my book.

CLIP: Here Hedman receives the award as MVP

Javascript is disabled

Javascript must be turned on to play video

Read more about browser support

The browser is not supported

SVT does not support playback in your browser.

We therefore recommend that you switch to another browser.

Read more about browser support

Here Hedman receives the award as MVP Photo: TT Nyhetsbyrån