Capitals Confirm Alex Ovechkin Filmed Ad for Vladimir Putin's Political Party

The Washington Capitals confirmed Alex Ovechkin was asked to participate in a United Russia party advertisement while in Moscow this summer.

The Washington Capitals confirmed to The Associated Press on Tuesday that captain Alex Ovechkin was asked to participate in a campaign advertisement for Vladimir Putin's United Russia party this summer. The NHL career goal-scoring leader appears in the video standing behind Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Former NHL player Viacheslav "Slava" Fetisov also took part in the campaign, which drew public criticism from Hall of Famer Dominik Hasek.

Team spokesperson Sergey Kocharov stated that Ovechkin, a Russian citizen, resides in Moscow with his family during the offseason. The NHL deferred all comments regarding the video to the Capitals organization. This appearance follows Ovechkin's 2017 creation of the "Putin Team" social movement, though the forward previously stated in February 2022 that he is an athlete rather than a politician.

Ovechkin, who turns 41 on Thursday, enters his 22nd NHL season with 929 career goals. He surpassed Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record in April 2024 by scoring his 895th goal. The first overall pick from the 2004 draft is expected to address reporters on Thursday at the opening of the Capitals' training camp.