Hilbert missed the beginning of the 2003–04 season due to a groin injury.[3] This kept him to a total of 19 AHL games.
On February 9, 2005, Hilbert was named to the AHL All-Star Classic as a replacement for Thomas Vanek.[4]
In November 2005, Hilbert was traded by the Bruins to the Chicago Blackhawks for a 5th round selection in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.[5] In the same season he was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 9, 2006.[6]
On July 4, 2006, Hilbert was signed as a free agent to a one-year contract with the New York Islanders.[7] Hilbert produced a career high 28 points in his first full season in the NHL with the Islanders in 2006-07, and was subsequently rewarded with a two-year contract extension on July 3, 2007.[citation needed]
As a free agent, Hilbert was belatedly signed prior to the 2009-10 season to a one-year contract with the Minnesota Wild on October 1, 2009.[8]
He returned to the Islanders organization the following year on August 18, 2010.[9] However, due to injury was forced to retire.[citation needed]