Chicago Blackhawks forward Boris Katchouk to miss beginning of season with left ankle sprain

CHICAGO --Blackhawksforward Boris Katchouk will be sidelined four to six weeks because of a left ankle sprain, the team announced Sunday.

The 24-year-old Katchouk played almost 12 minutes during a 3-0 preseason loss to Detroit on Saturday night. He was acquired in a multiplayer trade with Tampa Bay in March.

The Blackhawks open the season on Oct. 12 at the Colorado Avalanche.

The team also said veteran forward Jujhar Khaira is day-to-day with a right ankle injury.

Khaira, 27, is coming off a season that was cut short because of February back surgery. He had three goals in 27 games in his first season with the Blackhawks, after agreeing to a two-year contract last offseason that carries a $975,000 salary-cap hit.

Khaira has 27 goals and 39 assists in 285 career NHL games.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.