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 stopped short of confirming whether he agreed.
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 also covered the team's statement.
Ovechkin has not publicly commented.
The request came during his visit in Russia this summer.
The ad is getting attention because United Russia supports President Vladimir Putin.
No further details were offered by the Capitals.