Zaitsev has been a staple for the Russian national team since 2008 when he played in the World U-18 Championships. Since then he has appeared for Russia at the World Juniors, the Euro Hockey Tour and multiple World Championships. He represented Russia at the 2016 World Championships, capturing a bronze medal and earning a place on the World Championship All-Star Team. This will be his first World Cup.
Named to Team Russia are:
Artem Anisimov, Chicago Blackhawks; F
Evgeny Dadonov, SKA Saint Petersburg (KHL); F
Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings; F
Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning; F
Nikolay Kulemin, New York Islanders; F
Evgeny Kuznetsov, Washington Capitals; F
Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins; F
Vladislav Namestnikov, Tampa Bay Lightning; F
Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals; F
Artemi Panarin, Chicago Blackhawks; F
Vadim Shipachyov, SKA Saint Petersburg (KHL); F
Ivan Telegin, CSKA Moscow (KHL); F
Vladimir Tarasenko, St.