Aliaksei Protas Bio
Aliaksei Uladzimiravich Protas is a Belarusian professional ice hockey winger playing for the Washington Capitals in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was born on January 6, 2001, in Vitebsk, Belarus. Protas began his hockey journey by playing youth hockey in Colorado before returning to Belarus where he played for the Prince Albert Raiders in the Western Hockey League (WHL). Drafted 91st overall by the Capitals in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, he made his NHL debut in 2020 and has represented Belarus in international competitions.
Early Life and Background
Aliaksei Protas was born and raised in Vitebsk, a city in Belarus known for its rich cultural history. From a young age, Protas showed a keen interest in sports, particularly ice hockey. His early exposure to the sport came through local youth leagues, where he honed his skills and developed a passion for the game. At the age of 15, he moved to Denver, Colorado, to play youth hockey for the Colorado Evolution, which provided him with a solid foundation in competitive hockey. After a season in the United States, Protas returned to Belarus to continue his development.
Path to Hockey
Protas’ journey in hockey began in earnest when he joined the Belarus U17 team, where he played in the Vysshaya Liga, the second tier of Belarusian hockey. His impressive performance caught the attention of scouts, leading to his selection as the 26th overall pick in the 2018 Canadian Hockey League (CHL) Import Draft by the Prince Albert Raiders. He joined the Raiders for the 2018-19 season and quickly made a name for himself, finishing with 40 points in 61 games. This performance set the stage for his selection in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, where he was picked by the Washington Capitals.
Aliaksei Protas Career
Early Career (2020-2021)
Protas made his professional debut in the 2020-21 season with HC Dinamo Minsk in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). He had a solid season, recording 18 points in 58 games and contributing 4 points in 5 playoff games. Following his time in the KHL, he was reassigned to the Hershey Bears, the Capitals’ American Hockey League affiliate, where he continued to develop his skills.
Breakthrough (2021-Present)
During the 2021-22 NHL season, Protas was called up to the Washington Capitals, marking a significant milestone in his career. He scored his first career NHL goal on November 28, 2021, during a game against the Carolina Hurricanes. This goal was a pivotal moment for Protas, solidifying his place in the Capitals’ lineup. On January 19, 2024, he signed a five-year contract extension with the Capitals, valued at an average annual salary of $3.375 million, which will keep him with the team through the 2028-29 season. Protas continued to excel, recording his first career hat-trick on March 11, 2025, in a game against the Anaheim Ducks.
Notable Works and Milestones
Protas has established himself as a key player for the Washington Capitals, setting career highs in goals, assists, and total points during the 2024-25 season. His contributions to the team have made him a player to watch in the NHL.
Aliaksei Protas Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Aliaksei Protas has yet to receive significant award nominations, as he is still in the early stages of his professional journey.
Aliaksei Protas Awards Won
As of now, Aliaksei Protas has not won any major awards, but his performance continues to improve, and he is expected to achieve notable recognition in the future.
Aliaksei Protas Family
Information regarding Aliaksei Protas’ family is limited. However, it is known that he has a younger brother, Ilya Protas, who was drafted by the Washington Capitals in the third round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.
Personal Life
Details about Aliaksei Protas’ personal life are not extensively documented. He maintains a low profile outside of his hockey career, focusing on his development as a player and his contributions to the Washington Capitals.
