Capitals acquire Gleason from Hurricanes for Hillen

The Washington Capitals acquired defenseman Tim Gleason from the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday in a trade for defenseman Jack Hillen and a fourth-round pick in the 2015 NHL Draft.

"I'm pretty excited, obviously," Gleason said. "It's a playoff team … so this is real exciting to be in the race. I'm really looking forward to moving along here."

Washington hosts the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday. Gleason played against the Capitals for the Hurricanes on Friday in Carolina.

"It's funny how things work, you play these guys last night," Gleason said. "You have some battles on the ice, and words said, and this and that, and low and behold you're playing with those guys the next day.

"I'll be shaking hands with those guys."

Gleason, 32, has one goal and seven points in 55 games this season.

"We are pleased to welcome Tim to our organization," Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan said. "Tim is a veteran, physical defenseman and we feel his experience, toughness and skill set further strengthens our blue line."

Hillen, 29, who went to Carolina in the trade, has five assists in 35 games.

"Tim has been a steady presence on and off the ice for our team, and I wish him all the best in Washington," Hurricanes general manager Ron Francis said. "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."