Washington Capitals forward Aliaksei Protas, who has already established career highs in assists and points this season, signed a five-year, $16.875 million contract extension Friday.

Protas, 23, has three goals and 15 assists in 42 games this season. The 6-foot-6, 225-pound forward is tied for second in even-strength points (17), third in assists and primary assists (eight) and sixth in points for Washington.

“Aliaksei is a young and talented player, and we are excited to sign him to a long-term contract,” Capitals president of hockey operations and general manager Brian MacLellan said in a statement. “He has taken great strides in his professional career, and we expect him to continue to improve and play a pivotal and impactful role on this team for many years to come.”

Protas, who is now under contract through the 2028-29 season, will make $3.375 million per season.

Protas was Washington’s third-round pick in the 2019 draft and has 42 points (10 goals, 32 assists) in 133 career games.

–Field Level Media