Protas got his first taste of NHL action down the stretch, recording a goal, three assists, two blocked shots and two PIM while averaging 15:54 of ice time over four appearances. Following his successful stint with the Capitals, he should be in the mix for a roster spot going into the 2026-27 campaign. He has compiled 28 goals and 62 points in 66 AHL outings this season.
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Capitals' Ilya Protas: Three points in Saturday's win
Rotowire
Protas scored a power-play goal and added two even-strength assists in Saturday's 6-3 win over the Penguins.
The third-period tally was the first NHL goal for Protas in his second game, as the 19-year-old's transition to the top level has been made easier by skating on a line with his older brother Aliaksei Protas, who collected two points in the win, including the latter's 25th goal of the season. The teenage Protas figures to see a big role over the final two games of the regular season as the Capitals make a desperate push to get past the Flyers, Blue Jackets and Islanders for the final available playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
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Capitals' Ilya Protas: Logs helper in NHL debut
Rotowire
Protas posted an assist and two PIM in Wednesday's 4-0 win over the Maple Leafs.
Protas played 15:37 in his NHL debut and also won six of 14 faceoffs while starting as a middle-six center. The 19-year-old had 62 points in 66 AHL appearances with Hershey this season prior to the call-up. It's unclear if Protas is here to stay, but the Capitals clearly think he can give them a boost as they try to stay in the playoff race. If the Capitals fall short of the postseason, Protas will still get a chance to contribute for Hershey, which is currently in line to make the AHL playoffs, though its spot hasn't been clinched.
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Capitals' Ilya Protas: Brought up from AHL
Rotowire
Protas was recalled from AHL Hershey on Monday.
Protas has amassed 28 goals and 62 points in 66 AHL appearances this season. He could make his NHL debut as early as Wednesday's matchup against Toronto.
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