Matt Hendricks of Edmonton Oilers has been selected in the US squad ©Getty Images

Nine players from the National Hockey League (NHL) are among 13 who have been confirmed in the United States squad for the men's International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Championship in Russia.

Seven forwards, four defencemen and two goaltenders have been named for the tournament, which takes place in Moscow and Saint Petersburg between May 6 and 22.

The forwards include Matt Hendricks of NHL side Edmonton Oilers, who captained the US to the bronze medal at last year's World Championships in the Czech Republic.

Others in the position include his team-mate Patrick Maroon, and another NHL representative in Colombus Blue Jackets man Nick Foligno.

In goal, both players selected are on the books of NHL sides with Mike Condon representing Montreal Canadiens and Keith Kinkaid playing for New Jersey Devils.

All four defenders play in the NHL, including Carolina Hurricanes man Noah Hanifin and Jake McCabe of Buffalo Sabres.

They will be joined by Connor Murphy of Arizona Coyotes and Ottawa Senators' Chris Wideman.

The 13 players confirmed so far also include forwards JT Compher, Kyle Connor and Tyler Motte, who all represent University of Michigan.

Noah Hanifin of Carolina Hurricanes is also in the squad
Noah Hanifin of Carolina Hurricanes is also in the squad ©Getty Images

Auston Matthews, a forward who plays for Swiss side ZSC Zurich Lions, has also been added to the roster. 

Nine of the players have played for the US national side before and have combined to win 14 medals in various IIHF competitions.

The player selection follows the news that the team will be coached in Russia by John Hynes.

The 41-year-old, currently the head coach of the Devils, previously spent six seasons between 2003 and 2009 as head coach at USA Hockey's National Team Development Programme, leading the country to three medals at the IIHF under-18 World Championships.

This included a gold medal in 2006 in Sweden.

Despite being a powerhouse in the sport, the US haven't won the World Championships since 1960 with top players often not appearing.

The Americans have been drawn with Canada, Finland, Slovakia, Belarus, France, Germany and Hungary in Group B for the tournament in Russia.

More players will be added to their squad, with each side allowed up to 25.

NHL players competing in the Olympics is often a contentious issue, with negotiations continuing ahead of Pyeongchang 2018.

Gruelling journey times and a time difference of at least 13 hours has created doubt among North American clubs, while transportation and insurance costs is another major obstacle.