“I Need To Prove What I Can Do On the Ice, Off the Ice”: Aliaksei Protas Talks His Strong Training Camp, Potential of Making Final Roster

Screenshot: Washington Capitals

The Washington Capitals are just over a week away from the start of their 2022-23 regular season and slowly but surely, the team has whittled their training camp roster closer to the final product that will take the ice against the Boston Bruins. Among those left standing is forward Aliaksei Protas, whose impressive showing thus far has not gone unnoticed.

The 21-year old native of Vitebsk, Belarus, and former third-round pick of the Caps (91st overall in 2019) made his NHL debut last season (one of many young prospects to do so in 2020-21) and impressed in the 33 games in which he played (he recorded three goals and nine points).

“I feel better than last season, physically, mentally”, said Protas, “Like now, after last season I was kind of getting tired after like 10 minutes, 12 minutes; this season, a little better, now I feel like faster and stronger, so feels good.” Protas confirmed that strengthening himself and skating was his main priority back home in Belarus; he discussed areas of improvement at the conclusion of last season. “Yep, pretty much the whole time, yeah.” He revealed that his weight is up to 235 pounds, and with a smile, confirmed his height is “6’6″.”

Despite being close to the final roster, Protas is not taking anything for granted, and believes that there is still work to do to ensure a roster spot.

“The same I did for the first couple weeks, compete”, he said of the steps he needs to take to start the season in the NHL, “Do everything I can, everyone that comes in for a spot is good, competition is good for everyone moving forward, just you get experience you’ll need for the future, so it’s great. Everybody getting better with compete, 100%.”

“I actually surprise myself every game”, Protas said, “So it’s pretty good. Just keep working, I’m happy to be here, enjoy staying with the guys; so now just, I need to prove what I can do on the ice, off the ice, that’s it.”

Protas admits that after working on his conditioning in the offseason, the difference is noticeable in game action and when on the ice, something T.J. Oshie noted earlier in camp. “Yeah, a hundred percent”, Protas admitted, “When I was in games right now, I realized I got better, there’s so much work left, so keep it going in the right direction.” The young forward also said that he worked with one of the best skating coaches in Belarus.

The Caps will open their season against the Boston Bruins at Capital One Arena on October 12. If Protas’ final week of training camp is anything like the first few, there is a strong chance he will be donning an NHL sweater come the start of the season.

By Michael Fleetwood

More Reading on Protas:
Aliaksei Protas: 2022 Annual Review and Forecast
Aliaksei Protas Scores First NHL Goal in Victory over Carolina Hurricanes, Earns Post-Game Viking Axe
A Look At Billet Family Life with Capitals Prospect Aliaksei Protas