Aliaksei Protas’s rise in the NHL has been nothing short of remarkable, and now he has cemented his place in league history. On March 18, 2025, the Washington Capitals forward surpassed the previous record for the most points in a single season by a Belarus-born player, tallying an impressive 61 points (29 goals and 32 assists) with two assists against the Detroit Red Wings.
This milestone eclipses the former record set by Yegor Sharangovich, who scored 59 points during the 2023-24 season as a member of the Calgary Flames. The news was first reported by Capitals PR, and it has sparked excitement in the hockey community about Protas’s achievements. Notably, Protas’s record-breaking performance comes during his age-23 season, demonstrating a significant upswing in his game compared to last year, where he finished with just 29 points.
Statistically, Protas has shown extraordinary prowess on the ice. A standout in both offensive and defensive aspects of the game, 56 of his 61 points have come at even strength, ranking him seventh in the NHL for points at five-on-five. His ability to influence the game is underscored by his plus-minus rating, which leads the NHL at plus-42, significantly ahead of the next closest player, Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh, who sits at plus-32.
“He’s doing such a good job at five-on-five and on the penalty kill,” said Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery earlier in the season, showcasing the diverse contributions Protas makes during games. “His shot’s improved. He’s hitting his spot… Happy for him because he’s worked so hard and he’s such a great person and he’s so down to earth, so it’s nice to see him having so much individual success.”
Protas recently secured his first career hat trick against the Anaheim Ducks on March 12, 2025, and has amassed a total of 17 multi-point games this season, which is a marked improvement from eight multi-point games he had the previous year.
In his brief NHL career, Protas has proven to be a remarkable player. In his four NHL seasons, he has accumulated 42 goals and 72 assists for a total of 114 points in 237 games. Before making his mark in the NHL, Protas showcased his talent in the American Hockey League (AHL), where he played for the Hershey Bears and contributed to their Calder Cup Championship victory in 2023.
During his time with the Bears, Protas scored 12 goals and 24 assists for 36 points in 67 games. In the playoffs, he further distinguished himself by notching five goals and eight assists in 20 games. Protas's impressive performance in the WHL with the Prince Albert Raiders also set the stage for his professional success, where he scored a staggering 31 goals and 49 assists during his second season, helping his team clinch the WHL Championship.
Despite being in just his fourth NHL campaign, Protas has already made his mark alongside teammates such as Dylan Strome, who currently leads the Capitals with 67 points, and the legendary Alex Ovechkin, who has already scored 34 goals this season. The Capitals are thriving this year, boasting an impressive record of 45-15-8 and leading the Metropolitan Division with 98 points and a formidable plus-72 goal differential.
Protas's ascendance to greater heights in the NHL is not just celebrated in Washington; it resonates deeply with fans and players from Belarus and beyond. Mikhail Grabovski, another Belarusian-born player who held a notable record with the Capitals, notched 35 points during his time with the team in the 2013-14 season. Now, Protas stands out as a beacon of hope for aspiring players from his homeland.
The Capitals organization has taken note of Protas’s development, rotating him between first and second lines, significantly impacting his scoring opportunities. His combination of size and skill, at six-foot-six and 247 pounds, allows him to excel on the ice and create opportunities not typically seen in smaller forwards.
As the season progresses, Protas still has 14 games left to further improve his record and contribute to his team’s success. His growth is not just in numbers but also in influence, as he continually steps up in clutch moments.
With the support of his teammates and coaching staff, there is no telling how far Aliaksei Protas can go. His hard work and perseverance have paid off, making him a player to watch as the Washington Capitals push towards the postseason. Protas has transformed his potential into reality, leaving an indelible mark on the NHL landscape that will be remembered for years to come. Excitement continues to build as fans eagerly await his next move on the journey towards greatness.
