After failing to make a big impact in his first three years in the league, Capitals forward Aliaksei Protas stepped up last season, totaling 66 points and a +40 rating across 76 games.
He's off to a hot start once again this season. Through six games this year, he has six points and a +6 rating. All signs are pointing to another strong season for Protas.
Yet, it seems like no one is talking about him.
Protas is slotted in on the second line with Connor McMichael and Tom Wilson, but with Ovechkin nearing the end of his career, there's reason to believe he could become a first liner in the next year or two if he continues a high level of play.
Don't forget about Protas, he could just be the next Capitals star in the making.
