NHL star Alex Ovechkin is once again under fire for his political stance after appearing in a campaign commercial for Russia’s United Russia Party, which supports Vladimir Putin. The ad features Ovechkin alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, a key figure in Putin’s government and the main candidate for United Russia, with other celebrities like RT editor Margarita Simonyan, ex-NHL player Viacheslav Fetisov, actor Vladimir Mashkov, and singer Tatyana Kurtukova also present.
Ovechkin’s participation has sparked widespread criticism on social media, including from prominent hockey figures and Capitals fans. For example, six-time Vezina Trophy winner Dominik Hasek publicly condemned Ovechkin’s involvement, highlighting the broader controversy surrounding athletes who publicly support Russia’s political actions, especially amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Additionally, D.C. restaurateur and Capitals supporter Jose Andres expressed disappointment, emphasizing Ovechkin’s support for policies that have led to suffering and loss of life.
This isn’t Ovechkin’s first political stance supporting Putin; he has long been a vocal supporter of the Russian leader, even organizing a social movement in 2017 endorsing him before the presidential election. Despite criticism in the West, Ovechkin has maintained that he respects Putin and hopes for peace, but he stops short of condemning Russian actions directly. The controversy deepened when Ovechkin appeared in a pro-Putin ad amid ongoing international sanctions and tensions, reigniting debate over athletes’ political endorsements and their influence on their global reputation.
Ovechkin, who is nearing his 41st birthday, recently signed a one-year contract with the Capitals worth $4.25 million annually. He holds the NHL record with 929 goals and became the first player since Wayne Gretzky to surpass 900 goals, which he achieved in the 2025-26 season. Having played 22 seasons with the Capitals—an achievement shared with few legends like Crosby, Howe, Mikita, and Yzerman—Ovechkin remains a pivotal figure in hockey history.
Fan Take: This controversy underscores the complex relationship between athletes and politics, reminding fans that sports figures often carry influence beyond the ice. For hockey, it raises questions about the extent to which players should engage in political issues and how their stances might impact their legacies and the sport’s cultural perception.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
