Stars' Ales Hemsky: Ready to return Saturday

The Stars have taken Hemsky off injured reserve. He is expected to return to the lineup against Columbus on Saturday.

Analysis:

Saturday's contest will be Hemsky's season debut. With a bevy of injuries, including Patrick Eaves (lower body), Hemsky has the chance to be inserted in the team's top six or even on the top line alongside Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin. Injuries also clear space on the power play that could be handed to Hemsky. It's always risky to immediately trust a player coming off IR, but circumstances are aligning for Hemsky to have some opportunities right away.