The Dallas Stars will be without veteran defenceman Sergei Gonchar for the start of the season.

GM Jim Nill announced Gonchar will miss 3-5 weeks with a fractured ankle.

Gonchar is in his second season with the Stars, scoring two goals and 20 assists with the team last year.

The 40-year-old, who's also spent time with the Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Ottawa Senators, is in the second year of a two year, $10 million deal with Dallas.