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Washington Capitals prospect emerges as biggest draft steal in NHL history
The Washington Capitals have been one of the NHL's hottest teams this season, and their impressive pool of prospects is giving fans even more reason to be excited about the future. With talent coming up, the Capitals look poised to stay near the top of the NHL for years to come.
One name to watch is Ilya Protas - the younger brother of Aliaksei Protas - who just wrapped up a breakout season with the CHL's Windsor Spitfires. He's been called up by the Hershey Bears to bolster their push for a third straight Calder Cup.
Washington Capitals fans are already very familiar with the Protas name.
Aliaksei Protas has become one of the team's most dynamic offensive weapons, but it wouldn't be a surprise if his younger brother, Ilya, eventually surpasses him.
Ilya Protas emerges as historic NHL draft steal for Washington Capitals
This season with the Windsor Spitfires, Protas had a very strong season, notching 124 points in just 61 regular season games.
Ilya Protas' standout season with the Windsor earned him a well-deserved call-up to the Hershey Bears, a move the organization officially announced just last week.
When the Washington Capitals selected him in the third round, fans were thrilled - having another Protas in the system was already a feel-good story.
But few could have predicted the breakout year he's just delivered.
With 124 points in 61 games, Protas put up superstar-level numbers, quickly grabbing attention across the NHL.
You can bet there are a few general managers around the league kicking themselves for passing on him.
The NHL has seen its fair share of brothers lighting it up together - just look at the Hughes brothers in New Jersey - but in the near future, it might be the Protas brothers making headlines and taking over the league.
Right now, it's fair to say Ilya Protas is shaping up to be one of the biggest draft steals in recent memory.
More details to follow.
| POLL | ||
MAI 2 | 58 ANSWERS Washington Capitals prospect emerges as biggest draft steal in NHL history Do you think Washington Capitals prospect Ilya Protas is the biggest draft steal in NHL history? | ||
| Yes | 39 | 67.2 % |
| No | 19 | 32.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
