Washington Capitals say Alex Ovechkin was asked to film a ad spot 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 shown 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 has drawn attention because United Russia is aligned with President Vladimir Putin.
No further details have been given by the Capitals.