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Bolts rookie Hedman eager to hit the ice

News Channel 8 photo by BOB HANSEN

The Lightning introduced their two first round picks Victor Hedman (right) and Carter Ashton (left) Tuesday afternoon at the St. Pete Times Forum.

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By ERIK ERLENDSSON

eerlendsson@tampatrib.com

Published: July 9, 2009

Updated: 07/09/2009 12:34 am

TAMPA - After a whirlwind month filled with news conferences, interview requests, television cameras and a whole lot of parading around in NHL circles, Victor Hedman is ready for things to cool down.

Tampa Bay's prized draft selection, the No. 2 overall pick, will hit the ice today for the first time in three months as part of a weeklong Lightning prospect camp at the St. Pete Times Forum that also will feature Tampa Bay's other first-round draft choice, forward Carter Ashton.

But for Hedman, the camp presents an opportunity to find some relative calmness after the weeks leading up to last month's draft in which there was some intrigue as to who would be selected first overall. As the drama built, Hedman, along with John Tavares and Matt Duchene, was shuffled around trying to accommodate all the requests for his time.

Now, however, he can return to his comfort zone and begin the transition from being at the center of media attention back to skating at center ice.

"I'm just thrilled to get out on the ice, I can stay out there forever," Hedman said Wednesday. "I haven't been on the ice since April, so I'm looking forward to it and I just can't wait. It's in the middle of summer, but still you have this longing for being on the ice again."

There are no expectations for Hedman coming into this week. The 6-foot-6 defenseman doesn't have to come in and put on a show for his new team and new fans. There is no need for Hedman to stand head and shoulders above the rest of the campers.

"I'm not going to come in this morning and have my eyes glued on him like, 'Oh my gosh' if he makes a mistake or look at how good he is, to me it's all process," Lightning coach Rick Tocchet said.

After witnessing the rapid second-half development of last year's No. 1 pick Steven Stamkos following a slow first half, Hedman will be brought along slowly to start the season. Provided the recent run of stability within the organization maintains throughout the season, Tocchet said Hedman shows the tools of being ready to play right now, even if they don't have to be on full display this week.

"He has to get stronger on and off the ice and that's going to take time, but he has the skill set to be able to do what NHL players do," Tocchet said. "He's very good at shutting players down, his angles in the corners and his angles on one-on-one plays are very good. So that's the one thing he'll have ahead of other younger defensemen.

"But I think at the end of the week we'll know what he has to do to get ready for the NHL."

Hedman, who will wear No. 77 on his jersey because he looked up to Ray Bourque, believes he is capable of playing in the NHL next season and is ready to make the move from the Swedish Elite League. He sees this week's camp as just an opportunity to get things moving in that direction.

"I'm just looking forward to shooting some pucks and get my legs going," he said. "I don't think there is any pressure, we just have to get things going. It's just going to be a great feeling getting to know the other prospects, meeting Carter and all the other guys.

"I'm looking forward to this week. There are going to be some good practices both on the ice and off the ice."

ANOTHER DEFENSEMAN: The Lightning on Wednesday agreed to terms with former Minnesota defenseman Kurtis Foster on a one-year deal worth around $600,000. Foster missed all but 10 games last season after the 6-5 native of Carp, Ont., suffered a severely broken leg March 19, 2008. In 186 career games, with Atlanta and Minnesota, Foster has 77 points and 155 penalty minutes.

Lightning GM Brian Lawton also said the team has on offer out for a backup goaltender with an answer expected either today or Friday.

COACHING SEARCH: Tampa Bay is looking for an associate coach and while Lawton said the team is in discussions with a couple of candidates, it is believed they have received permission to speak to former Dallas assistant coach Rick Wilson, who might be at the top of the list.

Reporter Erik Erlendsson can be reached at (813) 259-7835.

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