Ilya Protas rates as a solid middle-of-the-lineup center: a 58.7 overall that ranks 62nd of 195 centers.

The standout tool is defensive impact (88), backed by play driving (63); finishing (23) is the part of his game that grades lowest.

He carries a $933K cap hit through 2028-29 on an entry-level contract before restricted free agency.

His cap hit is the 19th-largest on the Washington Capitals NHL roster and uses 0.9% of the $104M ceiling; the club currently has $3.25M in cap space.

Component ratings

Other WSH centers by rating: Dylan Strome (80.7), Pierre-Luc Dubois (71.3), Justin Sourdif (70.8). See the full Washington Capitals cap sheet.

How we rate players: each skater's overall is a percentile (0-100) built from offense, defense, play driving, finishing, power-play and penalty-kill impact against players at the same position; goalies are rated on goals saved above expected. Contract value compares the cap hit with the salary the model expects for that level of production, age and position. Figures are updated as new games and signings arrive.