Washington Capitals say Alex Ovechkin was asked to appear in a ad spot for United Russia, the pro-Putin party, while at home this summer.

The team said he was asked, but did not confirm whether he said yes.

News reports call the ad a political endorsement.

The Washington Post and The Guardian report that the NHL star is shown in the ad.

ESPN also covered the team's statement.

Ovechkin has made no public comment.

The request came during his trip in Russia this summer.

The ad has drawn attention because United Russia is aligned with President Vladimir Putin.

No further details were provided by the Capitals.