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Evgeny Kuznetsov and Dmitry Orlov to join Russia for World Championship

By Dave Stevenson

Jan 23, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Dmitry Orlov (9) celebrates with Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov (92) after scoring a goal against the Carolina Hurricanes in the first period at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Dmitry Orlov (9) celebrates with Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov (92) after scoring a goal against the Carolina Hurricanes in the first period at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Evgeny Kuznetsov and Dmitry Orlov are the first two Washington Capitals to join the World Championships, as they will play for Russia. 

Once the NHL season is over, players start joining their countries for the IIHF World Championships. For a variety of reasons, Russia never has any issues getting players to play for them. Especially when compared to Team USA, who has to practically beg players to join them. Evgeny Kuznetsov and Dmitry Orlov will be joining their home country, as Team Russia has announced they’ve been called up.

However, Alex Ovechkin will not be joining them.

"More from Stars and SticksAlex Ovechkin will score 50 goals in 2023-24It’s time for Capitals fans to chill out with the Anthony Mantha hateThe Capitals Have Several Potentially Bad ContractsTop 3 Capitals prospects to watch at Rookie CampTop 3 undrafted invites to watch at Capitals Rookie CampThe Russian national team’s coaches have decided to call two Washington Capitals players up to the 2017 World Championship roster: defenseman Dmitry Orlov and forward Evgeny Kuznetsov.Forward Alexander Ovechkin cannot join the team at the World Championship because of a lower body injury. Russia’s coaches contacted three Washington players, with all of them agreeing to travel to the tournament. However, during a conversation with coaches, Alexander Ovechkin stated that he is ready to join the team immediately as he always does, but doesn’t want to let the team down because he finished the NHL playoffs on pain numbing injections."

It’s not surprising Ovechkin was injured. He never seemed right and was obviously playing through pain. Just goes to show you how far Ovechkin is willing to go to try to win a Stanley Cup. He’s not going despite always going in the past, which shows how injured he is right now.

Must Read: Projecting Kuznetsov's Next Contract

Kuznetsov and Orlov both join Russia despite technically not being under contract since they’re restricted free agents. Hopefully they can have fun in Russia and help them win a title. Both deserve some form of joy in their life right now after a disappointing end to their season.

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