Washington Capitals say Alex Ovechkin was asked to appear in a political ad for United Russia, the pro-Putin party, while at 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 is shown in the ad.

ESPN also reported on the team's statement.

Ovechkin has made no public comment.

The request occurred during his trip in Russia this summer.

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

No further details have been given by the Capitals.