Tampa Bay Lightning centerman Cedric Paquette has yet to play this season after sustaining an upper-body injury during the final preseason game against the Florida Panthers, but his return to the lineup is imminent.
Lightning head coach Jon Cooper said Sunday Paquette's issue was no longer the upper-body injury but rather getting back into game shape having been out of game action for about three-and-a-half weeks. During Tuesday's practice session following a day off Monday, Paquette rejoined the Lightning's fourth line for the first time since the injury, skating between Pat Maroon and Luke Witkowski. He also saw significant time on the penalty kill during the Lightning's special teams portion of practice, indicating he might be available as soon as Wednesday when Tampa Bay hosts the Pittsburgh Penguins at AMALIE Arena (8 p.m. puck drop).
Cedric Paquette could return to Lightning as soon as Wednesday
Paquette has yet to play this year after suffering an upper-body injury in the preseason finale
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