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He joins a revamped blue line that also added hard-hitting Brendan Witt NHL Videos and offensive-minded Tom Poti earlier in the free-agent signing period.

New Islanders general manager Garth Snow spoke to the 36-year-old Hill the past two weeks and convinced him to come to New York.

"We felt he would be an excellent addition," Snow said. "He has been a very good defenseman in our league for a long time, a consistent player in all zones, a strong competitor and a leader."

The Islanders now boast a veteran defense that will be anchored by Alexei Zhitnik -- last season's big free-agent acquisition -- Witt, Hill and Poti. New York also has youngsters Chris Campoli, who had nine goals and 25 assists during his rookie season, and top prospect Bruno Gervais.

Hill had two goals, 18 assists and was a plus-3 in 78 games with Florida last season. He enjoyed his best offensive years with Carolina over two stints.