Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports

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.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Angels slugger suffers what might be baseball's most bizarre injury of 2024 season
Watch: Unlikely Rangers playoff hero nets two goals vs. Panthers
Celtics put Kristaps Porzingis' return from injury on hold
Watch: Panthers' Sam Reinhart nets two goals in first period vs. Rangers
Watch: Big crash ensues on Lap 1 of 2024 Indianapolis 500
Red Sox release well-traveled right-hander
Braves slugger, four-time All-Star leaves game due to knee soreness
Anthony Edwards makes declaration ahead of Game 3 against Mavericks
Watch: Matt Vierling's walk-off HR caps wild game in Detroit
Report: Star Japanese pitcher could move to MLB next year
Royals return Rule 5 pick to Yankees
Sixers viewed as a 'serious danger' to snatch core Nuggets role player
NFL reporter reveals why CeeDee Lamb isn't rushing to sign new contract
Diamondbacks designate struggling right-hander for assignment
Report: 76ers believe this eight-time All-Star would be 'ideal fit'
Pelicans expected to promote from within for GM role
Watch: Massive wreck on first lap delays Monaco Grand Prix
Grayson Murray's parents release heartbreaking statement on cause of death
Rangers designate right-hander for assignment
Florida guard among players withdrawing from NBA Draft