The Washington Capitals have signed Prince Albert Raiders forward Aliaksei Protas to an entry-level contract.
The three-year deal carries an average annual value of $716,666.
The forward from Vitebsk, Belarus was picked 91st overall by the Capitals, who traded up to select him.
Protas is coming off of his rookie season with the Raiders. He finished with 11 goals and 40 goals in 61 games, ranking seventh among WHL rookies in points.
He led all WHL rookies in playoff points with 12 goals and 22 points — including two hat tricks — in 23 games.
Protas, listed at 6-foot-5, 205 lbs, represented Belarus at the 2018 Under-18 World Championship and at the 2019 Division 1 Group A World Junior Championship, recording two goals and three assists in five games.
He is the Capitals’ first draft pick from Belarus.
Protas is the fifth member of the 2018-19 Raiders to sign a pro deal. Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Ian Scott (G), Ottawa Senator Parker Kelly (F), San Jose Sharks pick Noah Gregor (F) and Toronto Marlies invite Sergei Sapego (D), who also hails from Vitebsk, have also been signed to professional contracts.
The Capitals also have the rights to Protas’ linemate, forward Brett Leason, whom they chose with the 56th overall pick. He has yet to sign a pro contract.
