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

The team said he was asked, but stopped short of confirming whether he said yes.

News reports call the ad a political endorsement.

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

ESPN also reported on the team's statement.

Ovechkin has stayed silent publicly.

The request occurred during his visit in Russia this summer.

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

No further details were provided by the Capitals.