3 Bears who could be in the Capitals lineup next season

The Hershey Bears are a successful AHL affiliate and the Washington Capitals are fortunate to have them. Not only do they have a storied history but a not to shabby present as they’re in the Eastern Conference Final. So which future Caps could be in the lineup next season? Glad you asked!

#3 Aliaksei Protas

Aliaksei Protas played in 58 games for the Caps this season but was sent down later in the stretch so he could be on the Hershey roster during the Calder Cup playoffs. Boy has it paid dividends.

During the playoffs Protas is tied for the team lead in points with seven with three goals and four assists. In the NHL, Protas had four goals and 11 assists for 15 points in 58 games.

Protas only played in nine regular season games in the AHL and spent the rest of his time in the Caps press box. In those nine AHL games he had two goals and three assists for five points.

Protas can be good in the bottom six and he’s in his lower 20s which is exactly what the Caps need to get faster. In fact I think he can take advantage of his physical play better than Anthony Mantha.