Ilya Protas Makes NHL Debut with Washington Capitols

TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 8: Ilya Protas #62 celebrates an assist with Cole Hutson #44 of the Washington Capitals during the third period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Scotiabank Arena on April 8, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 8: Ilya Protas #62 celebrates an assist with Cole Hutson #44 of the Washington Capitals during the third period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Scotiabank Arena on April 8, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images)

Men's Ice Hockey | 4/9/2026 8:21:40 AM

Former Des Moines Buccaneer Ilya Protas made his NHL debut with the Washington Capitals and wasted no time making an impact, recording his first career point with an assist in the Capitals’ 4-0 win against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday, April 8.

Protas had 14 goals and 37 assists in 51 USHL games for Des Moines during the 2023-24 season, earning a selection to the All-Rookie Team. The 6’5”, 201-pound Belarusian forward had 28 goals and 34 assists through 66 games in the American Hockey League (AHL) prior to his call-up this season. Originally selected by Washington in the third round of the 2024 NHL Draft, Protas’ debut marks another step in his progression and highlights the USHL’s role in preparing players for the next level.

Protas' brother, Alexei, and Ilya assisted on Cole Hutson’s empty-net goal in the waning moments of the game. Hutson made his NHL debut with the Capitals earlier this season after his time developing at Boston University and the NTDP.

About the USHL

The United States Hockey League (USHL) and its 16 teams are committed to being the world's leading junior hockey league. This season, more than 50% of NCAA Division I men's hockey players and nearly 25% of NHL players have USHL experience. The USHL has developed more than 285 direct NHL Draft picks since 2020, and eight of the last 10 Hobey Baker Award winners, including Macklin Celebrini (Chicago Steel).

Elevated through the recently announced Declaration of Excellence with the NHL and USA Hockey, the league's player-first approach, including a 2:1 practice-to-game ratio and a schedule with 90% of games played on weekends, provides its players with the optimal environment for athletic and personal growth, creating pathways for the next generation of stars like Auston Matthews (NTDP), Kyle Connor (Youngstown Phantoms), Jeremy Swayman (Sioux Falls Stampede), and Johnny Gaudreau (Dubuque Fighting Saints).