The Capitals has finally owned the Race by signing a five years contract with….

On Friday, Aliaksei Protas inked a $16.875 million, five-year contract with the Washington Capitals. The deal, which runs until 2028–2029, has an average yearly value of $3.375 million and starts next season. The 23-year-old forward has 18 points (three goals, fifteen assists) in 42 games this season for Washington. He is in the final year of a three-year, $2.15 million entry-level contract ($716,666 AAV). Despite averaging 13:02 of ice time, he is tied for second on the club in even-strength points (17), third in assists, and sixth in points.

Protas, who has 42 points (10 goals, 32 assists) in 133 games with the Capitals, could have been a restricted free agency at the end of this season. His previous NHL career highs of 15 points and 11 assists in 58 games played the previous season have already been eclipsed. General manager of the Capitals Brian MacLellan stated, “We are excited to sign Aliaksei to a long-term contract. He is a young and talented player.” “He has made significant progress in his professional career, and we anticipate that he will keep getting better and playing a vital and significant role for this team for many years to come.”

Protas, a 2019 NHL Draft third-round selection (number 91) by the Capitals, finished the regular season with 13 points (six goals, eight assists) in 20 postseason games with Hershey of the American Hockey League, which helped the team win the Calder Cup. In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, he has not yet participated.