Washington Capitals Sign Young Forward to Big Extension

The Washington Capitals have locked up one of their top young players, as they have signed forward Aliaksei Protas to a five-year contract extension that will carry an average annual value (AAV) of $3.375 million.

NEWS: The #ALLCAPS have re-signed Aliaksei Protas to a five-year contract extension. The contract will carry an AAV of $3.375 million.
— Tarik El-Bashir (@Tarik_ElBashir) January 19, 2024

Protas, 23, is in the middle of a breakout season with the Caps, and now he has earned himself a nice long-term contract because of it. After posting 15 points in 58 games last season, the 6-foot-6 center has three goals and a career-high 18 points in 42 games thus far this campaign.

With Protas being so young and heading in the right direction with his development, this contract has the potential to become a complete steal as he continues to gain experience and improve. He is becoming a bigger threat offensively, and that absolutely has the chance to continue.

With this move, it is clear that the Caps view Protas as a big part of their core moving forward. He should continue to be a key part of their offense and may even have a bigger role in their lineup from here. Overall, this is a great move for both the player and the team on paper, and it will be fun to see how the deal ages from here.