Montreal Canadiens forward Emil Heineman is anticipated to be out of action for several weeks due to an upper-body injury sustained after being hit by a car in Salt Lake City on Monday. The 23-year-old rookie was walking downtown when the incident occurred.

Salt Lake City police responded to a 911 call about the incident, but initially couldn't locate Heineman or the person who reported it. Later, information from a local business led them to Heineman, who was reportedly receiving medical attention from the Canadiens' team doctors at the time. While he didn't appear to have suffered serious injuries, the subsequent diagnosis revealed an upper-body injury that will keep him off the ice for three to four weeks.

The Utah Highway Patrol is currently investigating the incident. Heineman has played a significant role for the Canadiens this season, appearing in 41 games and ranking third among rookies in goals scored with 10, adding seven assists. He was originally drafted by the Florida Panthers and subsequently traded to the Calgary Flames before landing in Montreal.

The Canadiens were in Salt Lake City to play the Utah Hockey Club, winning the game 5-3 on Tuesday. Their next game is scheduled for Thursday against the Dallas Stars.