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Today, president and general manager Brian MacLellan of the Washington Capitals announced the signing of forward Ilya Protas to a three-year entry-level contract. The average annual value of Protas’ contract is set at $889,167.

Protas, aged 17, was chosen by the Capitals as the 75th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. Standing at an impressive height of 6’5″ and weighing 198 pounds, this forward displayed his talent by recording 51 points (14 goals and 37 assists) in 37 games for the Des Moines Buccaneers in the United States Hockey League (USHL) during the 2023-24 season. Among USHL rookies, Protas excelled in assists, leading the category, and ranked second in power-play goals with 6, while also securing third place in total points. Moreover, Protas played a crucial role for Des Moines, leading in assists and power-play goals, while his exceptional 51 points positioned him as the second-highest scorer on the team.

During the 2022-23 season, the talented player hailing from Minsk, Belarus, showcased his skills as he played for both the Under-17 and Under-18 Belarus national teams. He achieved an impressive 34 points (19 goals, 15 assists) in 29 games with the Under-17s and contributed nine points (5 goals, 4 assists) in 10 games with the Under-18s. Notably, Ilya’s older brother, Aliaksei, was selected by the Capitals in the third round (91st overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft and has amassed 53 points (13 goals, 40 assists) in 169 NHL games with Washington. The Protas brothers mark the second sibling duo in the franchise’s history to be chosen by Washington; the first being Yvon Corriveau (19th overall, 1985) and Rick Corriveau (168th overall, 1991).

NHL Central Scouting ranked Protas as the ninth best North American left wing and the 49th best overall skater.