It was revealed earlier this month that the 37-year-old was training with Tasmania’s first-class squad and was returning to the state’s grade competition starting in October.
Hurricanes coach Jeff Vaughan said the Penn could potentially fill the last gap in the franchise’s list.
“He’s back in his training schedule two weeks ago [and] has been really good in the nets,” Vaughan said on Tuesday. “[He’s] good physically, good emotionally. Look, there’s a chance, but he’ll be one of many players we’ll look at for that final position.”
Paine stepped down as Test captain and withdrew from the game in the lead-up to last year’s Ashes series against England when it was revealed that he had sent lewd messages to a Women’s Cricket Tasmania employee in 2007.
Vaughan said Storm would discuss a final roster spot in the coming days, but could not take a call until some Sheffield Shield and domestic one-day cricket has been played.
The Hurricanes, who begin their BBL season on 16 December against the Melbourne Stars, have wicketkeeper Matthew Wade and part-time gloveman Ben McDermott.
“He [Tim Paine] is keeping up and telling us how well he’s going. We all have faith and trust in his skill set,” Vaughan said. “He’s training a lot more than he was 12, 18 months ago.”
Former Australia and Tasmania captain Ricky Ponting, who is serving as head of strategy in the Hurricane, previously said Paine would be “a perfect fit” in the team.
Paine played 43 matches for Hobart last in BBL07 and scored 1119 runs at a strike rate of 122 and an average of 27.98.
The Hurricanes on Tuesday announced a deal with fast bowler Billy Stanlake, who has been in talks for a release from his contract with the Stars. Stanlake, who hasn’t played competitive cricket since May last year, is on his way back from a back stress fracture.
The 27-year-old is also part of the Tasmania squad, having switched from Queensland in the off-season.