Bill Bowler added more size and a player that comes from a hockey family when he chose Ilya Protas 3rd overall in the CHL Import Draft Wednesday. “He’s a big body with skill,” Bowler said of the 6’4 196 pound left winger. “He protects pucks with good board work.”
The Washington Capitals moved up in last week’s draft to pick Protas in the third round, 75th overall. The soon to be 18-year old was born in Belarus and played in the USHL last season for the Des Moines Buccaneers scoring 14 goals and finishing with 51 points in 61 games.
His brother Alexi was taken in the third round of the NHL draft by Washington in 2019 and had 6 goals and 29 points last season for the Caps.
Here are links to Protas videos.
Highlight reel
After being drafted:
At Capitals’ development camp: