Head coach Spencer Carbery said Monday that Protas (foot) could return at some point during the Capitals' first-round series against the Canadiens, Tarik El-Bashir of Monumental Sports Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Protas participated in Monday's morning skate, but Carbery's comments make it unlikely that the 24-year-old will play in Game 1 of the series. However, Protas could return to action sometime in the coming days, with Carbery indicating that it could be as early as Game 2. Over 76 regular-season appearances, he logged 30 goals and 36 assists while averaging 16:27 of ice time.

Head coach Spencer Carbery said Thursday that Protas (foot) is progressing in his recovery but hasn't yet resumed on-ice work.

EDGE Analysis

Protas sustained a foot injury in early April and was considered week-to-week at the time. While he seems to be trending in the right direction, he'll be sidelined for Thursday's regular-season finale against the Penguins, and his status for the Capitals' first-round playoff series against Montreal seems to be up in the air.

Protas (foot) is week-to-week and won't play against the Islanders on Sunday, Bailey Johnson of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Protas could miss the remainder of the regular season after being cut by a skate in Friday's 5-3 win over Chicago. After Sunday's matchup, Washington has only five games left before the beginning of the playoffs. Protas has been a breakout producer in 2024-25, compiling 30 goals, 66 points and 142 shots on net in 76 appearances. Anthony Beauvillier will replace Protas in Sunday's lineup.

Protas was unable to return to Friday's game versus the Blackhawks after suffering an apparent lower-body injury, Bailey Johnson of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Protas appeared to be favoring his left leg as he exited the ice in the third period. There was no update on his status after the contest, leaving him day-to-day ahead of Sunday's game versus the Islanders. If Protas misses time, Connor McMichael would likely get back in the top six, while Anthony Beauvillier or Ethen Frank could reenter the lineup.

Protas scored a shorthanded goal and had three shots on net in Sunday's 8-5 loss to the Sabres.

EDGE Analysis

Protas found the back of the net just 37 seconds into the third period. With the goal, the 24-year-old is up to 30 goals, 65 points and 136 shots on net in 73 appearances this year. With his goal Sunday, Protas joined an elite club by becoming one of 18 players to have both 30 goals and assists this season. Additionally, Protas has the third-best shooting percentage among skaters who have played 50 or more games this season at 22.1 percent. He has been one of the best breakout stories for the 2024-25 fantasy season and should continue to provide great value in all league formats the rest of the way.

Protas put up two assists in a 4-1 win over Detroit on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Protas has been a revelation this season. He has three points, including two assists, in his last two games and 10 points (six goals, four helpers) across his past six appearances. Protas has 61 points (29 goals, 32 assists) and 128 shots in 68 contests this season. While only one assist has come with the man advantage, Protas has demonstrated tremendous growth in his defensive game. He leads the NHL with a plus-42 rating, and he has put up four shorthanded points. He's on the ice when it really matters, and he's always on the right side of the puck. It's only a matter of time before Protas starts getting time on the power play, especially at his size (6-foot-6, 247 lbs).

Protas scored a goal and went plus-3 in Saturday's 5-1 win over the Sharks.

EDGE Analysis

Protas has six goals and two assists over his last five contests, a span in which he's added 10 shots on net and a plus-11 rating. That level of offense is unsustainable for every player, but it's a good burst of production from one of the league's top even-strength performers this season. Through Saturday's action, Protas is tied for seventh in the NHL with 54 even-strength points. He's at 29 goals, 59 points, 126 shots on net and a league-best plus-41 rating through 67 appearances. While shooting 23.0 percent is a red flag for future regression, Protas has been too good to ignore in 2024-25.

Protas scored three goals on six shots and went plus-4 in Tuesday's 7-4 win over the Ducks.

EDGE Analysis

Protas tied the game at 2-2 late in the first period and added a pair of tallies in the third, including the empty-netter, to complete his first career hat trick. The 24-year-old has five goals and three assists over six games in March as he continues a stellar campaign. For the season, Protas is at 28 goals, 58 points, 125 shots on net and a league-leading plus-39 rating. All but five of his points have come at even strength -- he's earned four shorthanded points and one power-play point this season.

Protas notched two goals, including one shorthanded, and an assist in Friday's 5-2 win over the Red Wings. He also posted a plus-3 rating, three shots on goal and a hit.

EDGE Analysis

Protas recorded three points in a single game for the third time in 2024-25. He has accomplished the feat twice in seven outings since the regular season resumed following the 4 Nations Face-Off break. Protas has posted eight points (three goals, five assists) in eight games since the resumption of the league. He has exploded offensively this campaign, producing 25 goals and 29 helpers through 63 appearances.

Protas tallied three assists, a plus-3 rating and three shots during Sunday's 7-3 win over the Oilers.

EDGE Analysis

It was "threes" across the board for Protas, who has compiled five goals and 14 points in his last 12 games to reach the 50-point mark for the first time in his NHL career. The hulking winger is back on the top line alongside Alex Ovechkin and is producing more than enough even-strength numbers to merit broad fantasy appeal.