"We have [16] games left. That's still a lot of games," he said. "We just have to focus for every game and go game by game. You're still a hockey player. That's your job."
With the Stars roster further depleted following the trades, coach Lindy Ruff is happy Hemsky is back.
"Ales was a big part of our team last year," Ruff said. "Going down the stretch, he played really well for us. Obviously, it's tough to step in this time of the year, but I thought he's handled the game pretty well and he's only going to get better."
Hemsky played on a line with rookie left wing Remi Elie and center Cody Eakin on Monday. As a veteran of 14 NHL seasons, Hemsky can serve as a mentor for Elie, who made his NHL debut in a 2-1 win against the Florida Panthers two nights earlier.
"We'll talk and make him feel relaxed and just let him know he doesn't have to worry," said Hemsky, who has no points in four games this season. "You don't have to pass it to us or force anything. Just play your game and work hard."
Although the Stars are a long shot to make the playoffs, Hemsky has a lot at stake over the final 16 games. He is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and knows he'll probably be looking for a job this summer.
Hemsky had a solid 2015-16 season with 39 points (13 goals, 26 assists) in 75 games, but after having surgery on each hip over the past two years, he'll have to prove again that he can play in the NHL.
"If there's an opportunity here, I would love to stay here and play for the Dallas Stars," he said. "But I'm not even thinking about it right now because I've been injured and I'm just happy I can play some games and show if I can play or not."