Washington Capitals say Alex Ovechkin was asked to appear in a ad spot 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 accepted.

News reports describe the ad as a political endorsement.

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

ESPN picked up the team's statement.

Ovechkin has stayed silent publicly.

The request happened during his trip in Russia this summer.

The ad has attracted notice because United Russia backs President Vladimir Putin.

No further details were provided by the Capitals.