Protas Didn't Think He'd Make Capitals Roster, Credits Carbery For Exponential Growth: 'He Demanded A Lot From Me, Gave Me A Chance'

Washington Capitals forward Aliaksei Protas took major strides in his first full season up at the NHL level and is expected to continue to play a major role for D.C. going forward, and he paid all the credit to first-year head coach Spencer Carbery.

Protas acknowledged during the season how much Carbery had meant to his development, but said in a new interview with Sport5 that Carbery was instrumental in taking his game to a higher level after a so-so start to the 2023-24 season.

"I didn't have very good games in the preseason... he demanded a lot from me, and this eventually paid off," Protas said, per a DeepL translation.

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Through 72 games this season, Protas led all Capitals in assists at 5-on-5 (22) and took on more minutes and a bigger role. He also got rewarded with time on the top-6 and penalty kill, while being relied upon in make-or-break situations.

"I began to contribute during the season and get more trust. The coach (rewarded) me, which was good and gave me motivation," Protas said.

He also admitted that he believed that he would be reassigned to Hershey to start the season due to what Protas considered a so-so showing throughout the preseason. However, he was happy to see that Carbery kept faith in him.

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Ultimately, his opportunity at the highest level led to him signing a five-year extension.

"Carbery gave me a chance. He believed in me and gave me confidence for the whole year," Protas noted. "Thanks to him."