Paquette left Tuesday’s game against the New York Islanders midway through the first period after blocking a slap shot with his foot and immediately went to the bench in pain. Paquette didn’t return against the Islanders.

An NHL rookie who was drafted in the fourth round (101st overall) of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Paquette has emerged among a deep crop of Lightning forwards, scoring five goals in seven games since being recalled from Tampa Bay’s AHL affiliate in Syracuse, including a two-goal effort against Calgary (Nov. 6) his first game back on the Bolts.

Paquette has played in 11 games this season for the Lightning, registering five goals and an assist. He ranks tied for fifth on the Lightning for goals scored.

Last season, Paquette was on the ice for two regular season games and all four Lightning playoff games. He tallied a combined three assists in the six appearances.