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

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

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 made no public comment.

The request happened during his trip in Russia this summer.

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

No further details were offered by the Capitals.