As Washington Capitals winger Aliaksei Protas prepares to return to D.C. and prove last year wasn't a one-off, he's also looking forward to seeing what his younger brother, Ilya, can do in his second year with the organization.

Aliaksei sat down with Vitbichi to discuss the Capitals and Ilya, noting that it was an important summer for the 2024 third-rounder with regard to training and progress following a standout rookie season with the OHL's Windsor Spitfires.

"The guy still has work to do," Protas said. "He's an adult now and understands perfectly well that to make it (to the next level), he needs to work hard in the locker room and on the ice."

Ilya finished second in the league in scoring with 50 goals and 74 assists for 124 points in 61 games, bested only by San Jose Sharks prospect and No. 2 overall pick Michael Misa, who played in four more games.

Ilya Protas, With The Help Of Older Brother Aliaksei, Ready To Show The Capitals What He Can Do ARLINGTON, V.A. — When it comes to Aliaksei and Ilya Protas, there's no sibling rivalry; in fact, the brothers, both paving their own paths with the Washington Capitals, feed off each other's success — and they both had their fair share of it this past season.

The brothers have been training together this offseason in Belarus and will both be back in Washington in the coming weeks for training camp, which kicks off in mid-September.

Ilya said he's hoping to reach new heights within the Capitals organzation this season, and gave a lot of credit to Aliaksei, who is coming off a career season where he earned Selke consideration, for his development.

"I learned everything (from him) to be honest," Ilya said. "His success and how he's developed here. He help me, I'm always glad to have him with me... Offseason (training) with my brother and probably (training) camp. Camp here helped me a lot just to see the level where you should work to. Helped me a lot here.

"I'll give everything I have and see where I end up," he added.