The forward, who is on the books of the Washington Capitals, will head up his country's challenge in the eight-team tournament in Toronto.

He is also the skipper of the Capitals and has won the International Ice Hockey Federation's World Championships with Russia on three occasions, in 2008, 2012 and 2014.

The 30-year-old was also in the squad which won bronze on home ice at this year's World Championships.

Fellow forwards Evgeni Malkin and Pavel Datsyuk have been selected as alternate captains, the NHL confirmed.

Malkin plays in the NHL for Pittsburgh Penguins while Datsyuk turns out for SKA Saint Petersburg in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).

The third edition of the World Cup of Hockey is due to take place 12 years after the second.

The tournament, last won by Canada in 2004, will also feature the United States, Sweden, Finland, and the Czech Republic.

A North American team, featuring players aged 23 and under, will appear in the competition as well as a squad which includes the best players from the rest of Europe.

All will compete in a two-week tournament, which is scheduled to be held from September 17 to October 1 and feature more than 170 of the best players in the NHL.

Games will be played at Air Canada Centre, home of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Russia will play Finland, Sweden and the North American team in Group B.

Hosts Canada will meet the US, the Czech Republic and Team Europe in Group A.