Washington Capitals say Alex Ovechkin received a request to shoot a campaign ad for United Russia, the pro-Putin party, while at home this summer.

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

News reports call the ad a political endorsement.

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

ESPN also covered the team's statement.

Ovechkin has not publicly commented.

The request occurred 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.