Washington Capitals say Alex Ovechkin was asked to film a political ad 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 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 picked up the team's statement.

Ovechkin has made no public comment.

The request came during his trip in Russia this summer.

The ad has drawn attention because United Russia backs President Vladimir Putin.

No further details have been given by the Capitals.