標籤: Protas

Washington Capitals prospect Ilya Protas has a bright future. Aliaksi’s younger brother was named AHL Rookie of the Year for his performance with the Hershey Bears.

On Thursday, Protas won the Dudley (Red) Garrett Memorial Award as the AHL’s most outstanding rookie for 2025-26. The 19-year-old now becomes the second Hershey player to win the award, joining Ron Hextall.

Protas led all AHL rookies in scoring with 66 points (29 goals, 37 assists) in 69 games, the fourth-most points by a teenager. He also led the Bears in goals, power-play goals, shots on goal (147), and plus-minus (17) this season.

The 19-year-old was eventually called up to the Capitals to help them make a late playoff run. Protas recorded one goal and three assists for four points in four games, which the Capitals ultimately won.

Protas is likely to return to the NHL full-time next season. For now, he’s back with Hershey for the Calder Cup playoffs, focused on the first line. He scored a goal to help the Bears defeat the Bridgeport Islanders in Game 1.

Harry Lichtman is an award-winning journalist who covers the Washington Capitals for SportsNut. He also contributes to the sites… More about Harry Lichtman

The Washington Capitals have recalled forward Ilya Protas from AHL Hershey. Ilya is the younger brother of Capitals winger Aliaksei Protas.

Protas, 19, could make his NHL debut this Wednesday when the Capitals visit Toronto. The young Russian forward nicknamed “Little Pro” is already making a splash with the Hershey Bears this season.

Protas has recorded a team-high 62 points (28 goals, 34 assists) in 66 games with Hershey. The 6-foot-6, 225-pound forward leads all AHL rookies in points and is tied for sixth among all skaters.

Protas currently leads the Bears in goals, points, power-play goals, power-play points, shots and plus-minus. The 19-year-old most recently recorded a career-high six points (one goal, five assists) against Hartford on April 4. It was the AHL’s first six-point game since 2019.

The Capitals originally selected Protas in the third round (75th overall) in the 2024 NHL Draft. Ilya was selected five years after older brother Aliaksei, who was also drafted in the third round in 2019.

The Capitals are currently three points out of the playoff positions with four games left in the regular season. Will Little Pro’s NHL debut be enough to reach the playoffs?

Harry Lichtman is an award-winning journalist who covers the Washington Capitals for SportsNut. He also contributes to the sites… More about Harry Lichtman