Due to his elite vision and passing skill, Protas has found success in making consistent and creative plays on the attack. He works well with his linemates, who have been able to consistently fill the net. His skating holds back his cerebral side. His length of stride and coverage is fine, but he needs to improve the rigidity in his edge work and starting strides. He also needs to improve his foot speed and balance in tight spaces. His feet don’t look too heavy, so it is possible that his skating problems can be fixed. He has good vision, but needs to use his size a bit more to assert himself. He has good size and great reach that allows him to be dominant in possession. He’s patient under pressure as he has the skill to deke and control until he’s able to unleash a hard and accurate pass. He’s not much of a shooter, but certainly a great asset with his playmaking.  Scouts would like to see a little more work ethic and commitment from him, as he often coasts back on the backcheck and floats in the neutral zone when he should be offering more defensive pressure. He’s incredibly raw and looks like a long-term project. He probably projects more as a one-dimensional offensive player than a well-rounded defensive one, but he’s still an intriguing prospect that should get picked.

– FCHockey’s 2019 NHL Draft Guide