The Washington Capitals signed forward Aliaksei Protas to a five-year extension carrying an average annual value of $3.375 million, the team announced Friday.

"Aliaksei is a young and talented player, and we are excited to sign him to a long-term contract," 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 is in his third season with the club since being drafted 91st overall in 2019 and was scheduled to become a restricted free agent this summer.

The 23-year-old has appeared in 42 games this season and has set career highs in points (18) and average ice time (13:02).