Washington Capitals say Alex Ovechkin was asked to film a political ad 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 agreed.

News reports have described 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 not publicly commented.

The request occurred during his time at home in Russia this summer.

The ad has attracted notice because United Russia is aligned with President Vladimir Putin.

No further details were offered by the Capitals.