Capitals sign Ilya Protas to entry level deal and more on Ryan Leonard

The Washington Capitals have signed Ilya Protas to a three year entry level deal with an average annual value of $889,167 the team announced at the conclusion of their annual development camp to a three year entry level deal. The team drafted the 17 year old with the 75th overall pick in this year's NHL Draft. A native of Minsk, Belarus, the six foot five, 198 pound forward recorded 51 points with 14 goals and 37 assists in 37 games with the Des Moines Buccaneers of the USHL.

Protas was ranked ninth among North American left wings and 49th among all North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. He also led USHL rookies in assists and ranked tied for second among first year players in power play goals with six and third in points. He led Des Moines in assists and PPGs while his 51 points were ranked second on the team. And yes it's a family affair as he's the brother of Aliaksei Protas, who the Caps re-signed just ahead of the trade deadline.

Ryan Leonard

Some other news from Development Camp, Ryan Leonard stood by his decision to attend Boston College and elaborated more on it via Tarik El-Bashir of Monumental Sports Netowork:

""Yeah, it was - I have to say that. My plan the whole time was two years and then come (to D.C.), but I had no idea they were actually going to offer me (a contract).It all happened so fast. I don't really know if I was completely prepared for it. I thought we were jumping on a Zoom call to just kind of reassess the situation.""

- Leonard

MacLellan recalled that conversation in the same story:

""We gave him the option. He had a great year. I thought the timing would have been good on our part - going into the playoffs, we were missing some bodies. And I would've been a great chance for him to play against New York.""

MacLellan also reiterated that there was no pressure on him to sign and it was just the option. No rush as they say.