Capitals' Ilya Protas Shines in NHL Debut, Plays Alongside Brother and Ovechkin

The Belarusian forward recorded four points in his first three NHL games after being called up from the AHL.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:40pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring fragmented, geometric shapes in shades of blue, red, and yellow, representing the dynamic action and energy of a hockey game or match.Ilya Protas' NHL debut alongside his brother and Alex Ovechkin showcases the Capitals' bright future through a cubist lens.Washington Today

Washington Capitals forward Ilya Protas had an impressive NHL debut, recording an assist in his first game and then a goal and two assists in his second game. The 22-year-old Belarusian played on a line with his brother Aliaksei and superstar Alex Ovechkin, calling it an 'unreal feeling.' Protas discussed the nerves of his first shift, getting advice from Ovechkin, and his goals for the rest of the season.

Why it matters

Protas' strong start in the NHL is a promising sign for the Capitals, who drafted him in the third round in 2024. The team has high hopes for the young forward, and his ability to contribute offensively while playing alongside elite talent like Ovechkin bodes well for his future development.

The details

In his NHL debut on April 9, Protas posted an assist in the Capitals' 4-0 win over the Maple Leafs. He followed that up with a goal and two assists in Washington's 6-3 victory over the Penguins on April 11, before going scoreless in the Capitals' 3-0 win over Pittsburgh on April 12. Protas said he felt more confident with each shift, despite losing his first two faceoffs to John Tavares and falling in front of the net on his opening shift. The forward was thrilled to line up alongside his brother Aliaksei and Ovechkin, calling it a dream come true. Ovechkin provided guidance to the rookie, telling him not to worry and just play his game. Protas' brother also gave him tips on the Capitals' power play, where Protas saw time in his debut.

  • Protas made his NHL debut on April 9, 2026.
  • On April 11, 2026, Protas recorded a goal and two assists in the Capitals' 6-3 win over the Penguins.
  • Protas went scoreless on April 12, 2026, as the Capitals shut out the Penguins 3-0.

The players

Ilya Protas

A 22-year-old Belarusian forward who was drafted by the Washington Capitals in the third round in 2024. He made his NHL debut in April 2026 and recorded four points in his first three games.

Aliaksei Protas

Ilya Protas' brother, who also plays in the Capitals organization and provided him with tips on the team's power play.

Alex Ovechkin

The legendary Capitals forward who played on a line with Ilya Protas in his NHL debut and provided the rookie with guidance and advice.

John Tavares

The Maple Leafs center who won the opening faceoffs against Protas in his NHL debut.

Tom Wilson

The Capitals forward who played on a line with Ilya Protas and his brother Aliaksei, forming a physically imposing trio.

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What they’re saying

“I couldn't have imagined it! I found out during the pregame announcement of the starting lineup. I was shaking a little, of course. I couldn't have thought about this even as a kid. I was almost afraid to even let such a thought cross my mind, that I'd be on the same line as Lyokha and Alexander Mikhailovich [Ovechkin] in my debut game… Dreams do come true.”

— Ilya Protas, Capitals Forward

“Even when I first arrived, he told me: a first game only happens once in your life, just work hard and enjoy it. Right before the game started, in the hallway, he advised me not to worry, just play my game and everything would be fine. It meant a lot to get that kind of guidance from someone like him.”

— Ilya Protas, Capitals Forward

“It was just incredible. I couldn't have imagined that the two of us would be in the same organization, on the same line. And then it happened that we got points together at the same time. When we came to the bench, I thought: What just happened? An unreal feeling.”

— Ilya Protas, Capitals Forward

What’s next

Protas will look to continue his strong play and cement a spot in the Capitals' lineup for the remainder of the regular season and potentially the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The takeaway

Ilya Protas' impressive NHL debut, playing alongside his brother and superstar Alex Ovechkin, is a promising sign for the Capitals' future. The young forward's ability to contribute offensively while adjusting to the speed and physicality of the NHL level bodes well for his continued development and potential to become an important part of Washington's core.