The New York Islanders signed captain Doug Weight to a one-year contract, the club announced Tuesday.

Weight, 39, had just one goal but added 16 assists in 36 games last season. He was forced to shut down his season because of shoulder surgery.

Weight is the elder statesman on a young team that includes sophomore forward and former No. 1 overall pick John Tavares.

“Doug has played an important role in helping to develop our young players over the past two seasons and we’re excited to see him continue his historic career on Long Island,” New York general manager Garth Snow said in a statement.

Weight has scored 276 goals and 748 assists for 1,024 points in 1,220 NHL games in a career that has also included time with the New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, St. Louis Blues, Carolina Hurricanes and Anaheim Ducks.

He signed with the Islanders before the 2008-09 season, during which he scored 10 goals and 28 assists in 53 games. Following that season, he replaced departing friend Bill Guerin as team captain.

The Detroit native won a Stanley Cup with Carolina in 2006 and has represented the United States several times. He was part of the U.S. World Cup victory in 1996 and the silver medal performance at the 2002 Olympics.