The Washington Capitals acquired defenceman Tim Gleason from the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday in exchange for defenceman Jack Hillen and a fourth-round pick in this year’s NHL draft.

Gleason has seven points this season in 55 games for the Hurricanes. The 32-year-old has played in 710 career NHL games scoring 17 goals and 123 assists. He previously played for the Los Angeles Kings and Toronto Maple Leafs.

“We are pleased to welcome Tim to our organization,” said Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan in a news release. “Tim is a veteran, physical defenceman and we feel his experience, toughness and skill set further strengthens our blueline.”

The Hurricanes traded Gleason for the second time in 14 months. They dealt him to Toronto on New Year’s Day 2014 in exchange for defenceman John-Michael Liles and a prospect, then signed him over the summer to a one-year, $1.2 million contract.

“Tim has been a steady presence on and off the ice for our team, and I wish him all the best in Washington,” said Hurricanes general manager Ron Francis in a release. “This gives us a chance to take a look at Jack for the remainder of the season and continue to accumulate assets for a deep draft this summer.”

Hillen, 29, has five assists in 35 games for Washington this season.

The Capitals originally acquired Arizona’s fourth-round pick last season when they traded Martin Erat and John Mitchell to the Coyotes for Chris Brown and Rostislav Klesla.

Both players are scheduled to be unrestricted free agents this summer.

With files from the Associated Press.