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

ESPN also covered the team's statement.

Ovechkin has stayed silent publicly.

The request happened during his trip in Russia this summer.

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

No further details were offered by the Capitals.