Belarusian Ilya Protas Is Among The Top Contenders For The NHL's Rookie Of The Year Award

Watching the Washington forward's offensive prowess is a real treat.

Belarusian forward for the Washington Capitals Ilya Protas has been named a finalist for the Calder Trophy (an award given to the league’s best rookie) for the 2026–27 season, according to the authoritative hockey website Daily Faceoff.

– After a phenomenal 2024–25 season in the OHL, in which Ilya Protas scored 50 goals and tallied 124 points, he continued to play just as impressively on his way to Hershey. Playing for the Capitals’ farm team, the Belarusian scored 29 goals and tallied 66 points in 69 games, becoming the AHL’s top-scoring rookie.

This performance earned Protas a call-up to Washington, where he recorded 4 points in 4 games, playing alongside his older brother Alexei Protas.

Watching Ilya’s offensive prowess was a real pleasure, and today he is rightfully considered one of the best young prospects in world hockey. He possesses outstanding talent, and his imposing stature (196 cm and about 102 kg) makes him an even more dangerous player.

Protas has also made noticeable improvements in his skating. While his speed and footwork used to raise questions, he now feels confident even against higher-level opponents. There is every reason to believe that, in the very near future, Ilya will become a player capable of significantly influencing the Washington Capitals’ results, the article states.

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