Will Nikita Kucherov be the next NHL player to hit 1,000 career points? Tampa Bay Lightning [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/] forward Nick Paul was a full participant at practice for the club on Tuesday (Dec. 3). The 29-year-old forward last played on Nov. 19 against the Pittsburgh Penguins and has been out due to injury. Paul practicing as a full participant is a major step in the right direction with his recovery. Following practice, Lightning assistant head coach Jeff Blashill provided a very encouraging update about Paul. Blashill told reporters, including the Tampa Bay Times' Eduardo A. Encina [https://x.com/EddieInTheYard/status/1864004119989457319?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet], that Paul is "really close to being ready" to returning to game action. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjExMTQ2MzQ5Njc1MDMwNDg3/usatsi_24316320.jpg] This is undoubtedly good news to hear, as Paul is a crucial part of the Lightning's forward group. Furthermore, before getting injured, he was off to an excellent start to the season with the Bolts. In 17 games this campaign, he has five goals, 13 points, and a plus-2 rating. The Lightning play their next game on Dec. 5 against the San Jose Sharks. We will need to wait and see if Paul is given the green light to play from here.
