Aliaksei Protas

Aliaksei Protas, an NHL forward, was born on January 6, 2001, in Vitebsk, Belarus. He entered the league as a promising talent, having been drafted in the third round, 91st overall, by the Washington Capitals in the 2019 NHL Draft. Protas stands out with his impressive height of 6 feet 6 inches and a weight of 250 pounds, making him a formidable presence on the ice. Protas made his NHL debut in the 2021 season. His primary position is center, and he wears jersey number 21 for the Capitals. Over his career, Protas has demonstrated a notable ability to contribute both offensively and defensively. In the 2025 regular season, he played 40 games, scoring 15 goals and making 15 assists, totaling 30 points. He achieved a shooting percentage of 17.4% from 86 shots on goal. His defensive abilities were highlighted by 25 blocked shots and a plus-minus rating of +22. Protas' faceoff skills are also commendable, with a 34.5% win rate from 29 faceoffs in the 2025 season. His impact on the ice extends to his time on ice, where he averaged 18:12 minutes per game, showcasing his endurance and integral role on the team. As a left-handed shooter, his physical attributes and skill set make him a versatile forward for the Capitals.