League: NHL Sport: Hockey Country: United States Category: Transactions

Ovechkin faces calls for NHL ban after ad supporting Putin

3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 15, 2026, 3:06 PM

Last updated Sep 15, 2026

Ovechkin faces calls for NHL ban after ad supporting Putin

Summary

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin is facing backlash after appearing in an advertisement for Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party. The campaign, featuring Ovechkin alongside pro-Putin figures such as Sergey Lavrov and Margarita Simonyan, has sparked demands for his ban from the NHL. Many fans and commentators express anger, stating that Ovechkin's actions lend support to Russia’s political agenda amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Ovechkin has a history of publicly supporting Putin, which dates back several years. This situation has intensified scrutiny on both him and the Capitals, as social media users call for accountability from the team.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Ovechkin appeared in a United Russia campaign ad.
•The ad features pro-Putin figures including Sergey Lavrov.
•Fans and commentators are calling for Ovechkin's ban from the NHL.
•He has supported Putin since launching Putin Team in 2017.
•Ovechkin signed a one-year contract extension with the Capitals in July.

Latest Updates

3:06 PMYahoo Sports — Alex Ovechkin receives backlash for appearing in pro-Vladimir Putin campaign ad
3:01 PMYahoo Sports — Calls for NHL star to be banned after appearing in ad for Putin’s government

What they're saying

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The NHL's all-time goal leader is under fire for his appearance in an ad for Vladimir Putin's party in Russia. Here's what you need to know.
— Yahoo Sports