Alex Ovechkin is not interested in discussing his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Washington Capitals captain — who addressed the media as training camp began Thursday — said he’s a believer in “peace and love,” despite appearing in an ad for Mr. Putin’s political party.
Ovechkin, in a nonspeaking role, appeared in the background of a video in support of Putin’s United Russia party.
“The thing about the video is, I’m Russian. When I leave, I’m going to live there, my kids are going to live there, my family,” he said Thursday. “My home is Russia. D.C. is my second home. … I hope everything’s going to be OK. I’m for peace and love.”
The advertisement, which Ovechkin recorded during the summer offseason, came to light less than a week before training camp began.
It created ill feelings for some fans across the hockey world who adore Ovechkin’s on-ice exploits but harbor serious concerns about Russia’s war with Ukraine.
“Everyone in this photograph has chosen to officially support Russia’s imperialist war in Ukraine,” retired goaltender Dominik Hasek, a former Olympian on the Czech national team, wrote on X, highlighting Ovechkin’s participation in the ad. “Because of each of them, many Ukrainians and Russians will be killed.”
Despite the hot-button issue, Ovechkin said he had “no hesitation” about accepting the offer to appear in the promo.
“It’s a difficult situation and I understand why people are upset,” Capitals general manager Chris Patrick said. “That’s probably the most I should say about it as the general manager of a hockey team and not someone well-versed in geopolitical issues.”
On Thursday, coach Spencer Carbery insisted that the NHL’s goal-scoring king is beloved in the locker room, regardless of his off-ice political activities.
“I know him as good as anybody inside this organization. I know his family, I know what he’s all about,” Carbery said. “He’s always done an amazing job in his time here. I love him, and he’s a big part of our team.”
Ovechkin shrugged off retirement over the summer, instead opting to sign a one-year deal to return to the Capitals for a 22nd NHL season.
No other athlete has played as many seasons in the District.
“With the relationship I have with him as a coach, [the political ad] doesn’t affect it,” Carbery said.
“I feel bad for him. It may not be a popular sentiment among people critiquing him right now,” Patrick said. “But it’s a hard situation for him.”
Capitol Hill is aware.
Rep. Joe Wilson, South Carolina Republican, wrote a letter to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman on Wednesday demanding a probe into Ovechkin’s ties to Putin.
“It is incredibly alarming that [the NHL] and [the Capitals] have allowed Alexander Ovechkin to appear in a campaign advertisement supporting the party of war criminal Putin,” the longtime lawmaker wrote. “American hockey fans deserve better leadership from their star players.”
The NHL has not publicly responded to the letter.
Within the Capitals’ organization, Ovechkin is known for his avuncular nature. He flashed a gap-toothed grin as teammates sang “Happy Birthday” to him on Thursday morning. The three-time MVP makes it easy for players young and old to join him for breakfast or morning coffee.
“That’s his gift as a leader and as a person. … Any time you get around him, you’re not walking on eggshells,” Carbery said. “Everyone is involved, from rookies to guys who have never played an NHL game. Everyone feels so comfortable.”
Ovechkin and the Capitals open the regular season on the road against the defending champion Carolina Hurricanes on Oct. 2.
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