In a rough welcome to his NHL career, Samuel Honzek has been sidelined with an upper-body injury and is now considered week-to-week.

While the exact moment of injury remains unconfirmed, many believe it occurred during a significant hit late in Tuesday's game against the Chicago Blackhawks. Attempting to deliver a hit on defenseman Connor Murphy, Honzek found himself on the receiving end of a textbook reverse hit.

Honzek’s early performance wowed fans and analysts who covered the Flames, as the youngster earned a spot on the roster following a standout exhibition season. Many expected the 19-year-old Slovak forward to return to the CHL's Vancouver Giants, but he remained with the Flames, avoiding repeated training camp cuts. That he made the roster was exciting. However, news of an injury presses pause on the feel-good story that could be his rookie season.

Frankly, the injury likely derails any chances of him earning a regular spot throughout the rest of the season.

There is still plenty to be optimistic about. Honzek’s impressive showing in preseason play alleviated doubts about his high selection in the 2023 draft. Early injury concerns and production struggles only furthered worries. But, a switched seemed to flip for the forward, who came back this season with a different feel about him.

When he returns from the injury, he might get more time on the Flames' roster, but much of that could depend on how the team is doing after getting off to a 4-0 start.

With him out of the lineup, Adam Klapka is set to slot back in the lineup, having been a healthy scratch for the past two games.

As the Flames navigate Honzek’s absence, they will need to call up another forward from the Wranglers to bolster their lineup. This could mean an opportunity for someone like Jakob Pelletier.

Honzek's injury is the latest in a run of health issues for the Flames. They are already managing without Yegor Sharangovich and Kevin Rooney.