Washington Capitals say Alex Ovechkin was asked to film a ad spot for United Russia, the pro-Putin party, while at home this summer.
The team said he was asked, but stopped short of confirming whether he accepted.
News reports have described the ad as a political endorsement.
The Washington Post and The Guardian report that the NHL star is shown in the ad.
ESPN picked up the team's statement.
Ovechkin has not publicly commented.
The request happened during his visit in Russia this summer.
The ad has attracted notice because United Russia backs President Vladimir Putin.
No further details have been given by the Capitals.