Gonchar (ear) returned to practice Wednesday, NHL.com reports. Gonchar appears to be just fine after suffering an ear laceration upon taking a puck to the head in a scrimmage Sunday. He could return to preseason action for the Stars as soon as Friday's tilt with the Lightning.

Gonchar will be sidelined for a few days with an ear laceration, Mark Stepneski of the team's official site reports. The veteran will take a few days to heal up, but his status for the regular season isn't in jeopardy at this point.

The Stars spent part of the summer trying to find a trade partner for Gonchar, according to the Dallas Morning News. The 40-year-old defenseman averaged just 17:37 of ice time last season and a paltry 13:24 during the playoffs. His production dropped off steeply as he posted 22 points in 76 games last season after scoring 27 in 45 games the year before. Despite the team's willingness to reportedly eat half of his $5 million salary, they couldn't find a home for Gonchar. He should still have some upside, but it sounds as though Dallas may not give him many minutes and his leash may be short, especially with a glut of young d-men looking to crack the roster this season.

The Dallas Stars aren't interested in buying out Sergei Gonchar. They might still trade Gonchar if there's a market for him. However, he's 40 years old now and is coming off a rough season, so there might not be many interested parties for the once great offensive defenseman.

Sergei Gonchar is on a three-game point streak. Gonchar scored a goal against his former team, the Pittsburgh Penguins, on Saturday. He now has two goals and 17 points in 46 contests in 2013-14. It's worth adding that 10 of his 17 points have come on the man advantage.

Sergei Gonchar contributed two assists in Dallas' 7-1 thumping of Toronto on Thursday. He has three helpers in his past two games after he posted just one point (a goal) in his previous 10 contests. Gonchar's first season in Dallas has not been a productive one with just one goal and 16 points in 45 games.

Sergei Gonchar returned to action on Saturday January 18.

Sergei Gonchar is questionable for Saturday night's game against Minnesota. He is dealing with a lower-body injury and did not practice Friday. Aaron Rome appears to be ready to return to action and is likely to take Gonchar's spot in the lineup. Keep Gonchar on reserve for now.

Sergei Gonchar is dealing with a lower-body injury. Gonchar is questionable for Saturday's game as a result. He has 13 points and a minus-seven rating 41 games this season.

Sergei Gonchar scored his first goal of the season Sunday, but the Stars lost to the Islanders by a score of 4-2. It took him 39 games to do it, but Gonchar finally got on the board with an even-strength marker in the first period. Ray Whitney also counted for Dallas with his fifth of the campaign in the defeat.