Alex Ovechkin will not win the Stanley Cup this year with the Washington Capitals, but that doesn't mean he can't win a championship for his native Russia.

Team Russia's general manager, Andrei Safranov, as well as the Capitals made the announcement official Thursday afternoon.

“Today we play against the Swedes, after that we will register Ovechkin,” Safranov told the media. “Under normal circumstances he should fly to the Czech Republic tonight.”

Ovechkin is expected to join the team Friday.

The Capitals superstar lost a heartbreaker in overtime to the New York Rangers in Game 7 of their second round series Wednesday night.

Russia defeated Sweden 5-3 Thursday in the quarterfinal game. They play the United States Saturday afternoon in the semis.

The 29-year-old has 31 goals and 57 points over 65 career games at the Worlds. This will be his 11th (sixth straight) appearance at the World Championships and won gold in 2008, 2012 and 2014.

Ovechkin suffered a knee injury in last year's World Championships, but did not miss anytime with the Caps.