Injured Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman may not get to participate in Sunday's NHL All-Star Game.

But Hedman will still be on the bench.

Hedman will be the assistant to the equipment manager for the Atlantic Division team. It's a way the Norris Trophy caliber defenseman can still join teammates Nikita Kucherov, Steven Stamkos, Andrei Vasilevskiy, Brayden Point and coach Jon Cooper. Hedman has been part of the weekend's festivities, including signing autographs in the plaza this afternoon.

Hedman suffered a lower-body injury Jan. 11 against the Flames, with the Lightning expecting him to be out 3-6 weeks. But Hedman has already resumed skating, and GM Steve Yzerman said it's possible he'll be closer to the three week return than six.

Yzerman didn't know yet if Hedman will join Tampa Bay on its upcoming four-game road trip. Thursday would be the three-week mark in his recovery.