Washington Capitals say Alex Ovechkin was asked to appear in a political ad for United Russia, the pro-Putin party, while back home this summer.

The team said he was asked, but stopped short of confirming whether he accepted.

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 reported on the team's statement.

Ovechkin has stayed silent publicly.

The request happened 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.