Alex Ovechkin, all-time NHL goal scorer, appears in ad supporting Vladimir Putin
NBC News • • sports
Key Points:
- Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin appeared in a pro-Putin ad supporting Russia's United Russia party, reigniting controversy over his political stance.
- The Capitals confirmed Ovechkin’s participation but emphasized his political activities will not affect the upcoming NHL season or his focus on hockey.
- Ovechkin has a longstanding relationship with Putin, having launched the "Putin Team" movement in 2017, despite widespread condemnation of Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
- Hall of Fame goalie Dominik Hašek publicly criticized Ovechkin’s support for Putin, blaming such backing for ongoing deaths in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
- Ovechkin, 41, is the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer with 929 goals and led the Capitals to a Stanley Cup victory in 2018, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
