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

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

News reports describe the ad as a political endorsement.

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

ESPN also covered the team's statement.

Ovechkin has not publicly commented.

The request came during his trip in Russia this summer.

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

No further details have been given by the Capitals.