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

The team said he was asked, but would not say whether he said yes.

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 made no public comment.

The request happened during his visit 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.