Four Capitals to Participate in 2017 IIHF World Championship

ARLINGTON, Va. - Nicklas Backstrom (Sweden), Philipp Grubauer (Germany), Evgeny Kuznetsov (Russia) and Dmitry Orlov (Russia) will represent their respective country at the 2017 IIHF World Championship in Cologne, Germany and Paris, France.

Backstrom, 29, has represented Sweden in nine major international events, including two Winter Olympics (2010, 2014), four World Championships (2006, 2007, 2008, 2012), two World Junior Championships (2006, 2007) and the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. The Gavle, Sweden, native recorded 86 points (23g, 63a) in 82 games with the Capitals this season and ranked second in the NHL in assists and multi-assist games (15) and fourth in points. Since 2007-08, Backstrom ranks third in the NHL in assists (540) and ranks second among active NHL players (min. 200 GP) in career assists per game (0.74).

Grubauer, 25, has represented Germany in international competition at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, the 2014 World Championship, two World Junior Championships (2009, 2011) and the 2008 World U18 Championship. The Rosenheim, Germany, native posted a 13-6-2 record this season with three shutouts, a 2.04 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage. Grubauer recorded career highs in games played, wins, shutouts, goals-against average and save percentage this season and ranked second in the NHL in goals-against average and tied for fourth in save percentage (min. 20 GP). In addition, he became the 11th goaltender in franchise history to record three or more shutouts in a season.

Kuznetsov, 24, has represented Russia at four World Championships (2012, 2013, 2014, 2016), two World Junior Championships (2011, 2012) and the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. The Chelyabinsk, Russia, native recorded 59 points (19g, 40a) in 82 games with Washington this season. Kuznetsov played in all 82 games for the second consecutive season and ranked second on the team in assists and third in points.

Orlov, 25, has represented Russia at two World Championships (2014, 2016), two World Junior Championships (2010, 2011) and the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. The Novokuznetsk, Russia, native tallied 33 points (6g, 27a) in 82 games with the Capitals this season, recording career highs in assists, points and plus/minus (+30). Orlov ranked second among Capitals defensemen in goals and plus/minus this season and ranked sixth in the NHL in plus/minus.