Photo: DobberProspects
The Washington Capitals picked left-wing Ilya Protas 75th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft on Saturday morning at The Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada after trading the 2024 82nd and 148th picks to the New Jersey Devils for the selection. The 17-year-old is the younger brother of Washington center Aliaksei Protas.
Ilya is 6’4” and from Vitebsk, Belarus. He tallied 37 assists and 51 points in 61 games with the USHL’s Des Moines Buccaneers last season. Protas led all USHL rookies in assists and ranked third in points.
“I just wanted to be in the same organization with my brother. When the Caps said my name, I was surprised so much.”
Ilya Protas speaks to the media after being selected 75th overall.#CapsDraft | @Verizon pic.twitter.com/m7FIpOODdC
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) June 29, 2024
During the 2022-23 campaign, Protas notched 24 goals and 42 points for Belarus’ U17 and U18 teams. NHL Central Scouting ranked Protas 49th among North American Skaters.
Quick Take: “Without foot speed as an advantage, Protas developed a refined playmaking and off-puck game. He provides short support for his teammate, scans in advance, and instantly moves the puck upon reception. If he’s not connecting with one-touch or redirection passes, he slows to draw the defence before slipping the puck through it.” (Elite Prospects)
OTHER TAKES
The website called Protas a facilitator and creator who has the potential to score 15 goals and 55 points per season. Though, his conservative points projection was 10 goals and 30 points. Protas is expected to be NHL ready in 4-5 seasons.
“As Des Moines failed to qualify for the USHL playoffs, Protas’ impressive rookie season drew to a close shortly after our April rankings, where we first lauded his straight-forward and effective possession game. Ending the season with 8 goals and 20 assists in his final 25 games, Protas established himself as one of the more promising playmakers in the USHL. As he learns to complexify his game and add some dexterity, Protas looks to be a promising bottom-six scoring option. Don’t be surprised if he joins the NHL scene quickly like his brother before him.”
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
RANKINGS
Ranked #78 by THN/KENNEDY
Ranked #140 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
Ranked #68 by FLOHOCKEY/CHRIS PETERS
Ranked #292 by FCHOCKEY
Ranked #107 by DAILY FACEOFF
Ranked #49 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (NA Skaters)
Ranked #149 by RECRUIT SCOUTING
Ranked #99 by DOBBERPROSPECTS
By Harrison Brown
