Cedric Paquette News

Paquette left the morning skate with an undisclosed injury and it will keep him out of tonight’s game. With Paquette out, Brenden Morrow will be back in the Tampa Bay lineup.

Paquette left the Lightning’s morning skate early and will be a game-time decision tonight in Nashville. Paquette has been hot lately, scoring six goals with one assist in his last eight games.

With Jonathan Drouin out with an illness, Paquette will slide to the top line with Steven Stamkos and Brett Connolly. Paquette has five goals and two assists in 26 games this season.

Paquette has played well during his most recent recall haven scored five goals in his last seven games, but was injured in the first period of Tuesday’s loss to the Islanders. Brett Connolly is nearing a return so Paquette was already likely heading back to the AHL.

Paquette has 5 points in 9 games with Tampa this season.

Alex Killorn was not on the ice again on Wednesday, so he seems doubtful for Thursday, which means Paquette will be reinserted into the lineup. He skated on the fourth line with Vladislav Namestnikov and Jonathan Drouin this morning.

With Ryan Callahan ready to return to the lineup on Saturday, Paquette is heading back to the AHL. Paquette had no piints with six shots and five PIMs in four games during his recall.

Paquette, 21, has had a hot start in Syracuse, recording three goals and two assists in the first four games. He played his first two NHL games with the Lightning last season; he recorded one assist.

Paquette could be a deep sleeper for anyone in dynasty leagues looking to capitalize on a potential Tyler Johnson or Ondrej Palat-level fantasy breakout.

Paquette, 20, could make his NHL debut tonight vs.the Blue Jackets. He was selected in the fourth round (101 overall) in 2012. The 6-foot-1, 206 pound centre has 20 goals and 24 assists (44 points) in 70 games with Syracuse this season.