Alex Ovechkin faces backlash over pro-Putin political campaign ad

TRENDINGNFL Power RankingsArch under fireWeek 2 Waiver WireMLB playoff pictureKawhi trade completedStory byStory byAlex Ovechkin faces backlash over pro-Putin political campaign adMark Giannotto, USA TODAYTue, September 15, 2026 at 4:15 PM UTC·4 min readAbout Our AdsRecommended Stories'He Is An Awful Human Being': Hockey World Reacts To Ovechkin's Appearance In Putin Campaign AdSocial media reactions from around the hockey world poured in this week after Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin made an appearance in a political campaign ad in support of Russian president Vladimir Putin.The Hockey NewsAlex Ovechkin receives backlash for appearing in pro-Vladimir Putin campaign adThe 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.The Sporting NewsAlexander Ovechkin appears in a campaign video for Vladimir PutinThe Capitals' captain shows his support for Putin in Russia's upcoming "election".HockeyFeedAdvertisementAdvertisementOvechkin, estrella de la NHL, causa polémica por aparecer en un video electoral de PutinChicago (EE.UU.), 14 sep (EFE).- El jugador ruso de los Washington Capitals Alex Ovechkin, uno de los mejores de la NHL, ha causado polémica por su aparición en un video de campaña de Rusia Unida y del presidente Vladímir Putin, junto al ministro de Exteriores, Serguéi Lavrov, y otras figuras cercanas al Kremlin, según medios estadounidenses.EFE LatamAlex Ovechkin Returns To The Ice For The CapitalsARLINGTON, V.A. — Alex Ovechkin is back.The Hockey News - Washington CapitalsCapitals Captain Alex Ovechkin Debuts New Stick With Apparent Tribute To Late FatherARLINGTON, V.A. — Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin is trying out some new equipment ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.The Hockey News - Washington CapitalsCapitals Notebook: Ovechkin's Return, What To Know & Observations From One Of Last Informal SkatesARLINGTON, V.A. — Spirits were high as the Washington Capitals took the ice for their second-to-last informal skate before the official start of training camp, with Alex Ovechkin officially joining the mix for the first time and the intensity being kicked into higher gear.The Hockey News - Washington CapitalsCapitals sign Ryan Leonard to a monster, 8-year contractThe 21 year old forward cashes in big time.HockeyFeedPHOTO GALLERY: Scenes From Capitals Informal SkatesARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals are getting closer to the start of the 2026-27 campaign, with training camp set to officially kick off on Thursday.The Hockey News - Washington CapitalsReport: Nikishin Wants “Change of Scenery”According to Pierre LeBrun of “The Athletic”, Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin has requested a change of scenery and that seems to be the issue with re-signing him. The Russian has not backed off that request. Training camp starts next week and Nikishin, who is a restricted free agent, has still yet to be signed. […]SB NationWashington Capitals Sign Ryan Leonard To Eight-Year, $84-Million ExtensionThe Washington Capitals have extended Ryan Leonard on a massive eight-year deal that will carry a $10.5 million average annual value.The Hockey NewsFrom Rivals to Maple Leafs Teammates: Darren Raddysh Opens Up on BobrovskyDarren Raddysh shared his thoughts on going from rivals to Maple Leafs teammates with Sergei Bobrovsky, saying he is happy to be teammates. The post From Rivals to Maple Leafs Teammates: Darren Raddysh Opens Up on Bobrovsky appeared first on HEAVY.HEAVYWhat Sergei Bobrovsky Said About Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews Speaks VolumesThe new Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender, Sergei Bobrovsky, made a statement about what it represents to play with Auston Matthews that speaks volumes.Bobrovsky appeared before the media during media availability this Monday, Sept. 14, on the occasion of the Leafs & Legends Charity Golf Classic.The 37-year-old goalie did not hide his happiness about now playing […] The post What Sergei Bobrovsky Said About Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews Speaks Volumes appeared first on HEAVY.HEAVYAuston Matthews Given Clear Playoff Warning Before Maple Leafs SeasonThe Toronto Maple Leafs are heading into the 2026-27 NHL season with high expectations. Not only because of new additions such as No. 1 overall prospect Gavin McKenna and veteran Russian goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, among others, but also because of elements already within the franchise. Clearly, the name that appears the most in the media […] The post Auston Matthews Given Clear Playoff Warning Before Maple Leafs Season appeared first on HEAVY.HEAVYNow in Toronto, Sergei Bobrovsky Thanks Florida Panthers FansAs Sergei Bobrovsky gears up for his first training camp with the Toronto Maple Leafs, the two-time Stanley Cup champion […]Florida Hockey NowNew Jersey Devils Prospect Update: Three Russian Prospects Hot Out of the GateWith the KHL season underway, two Russian defenders and a goaltender have started off strong. This post covers their hot starts to the season. Daniil Orlov By now, Devils fans should be familiar with Orlov. The 22-year-old defender was drafted by the Devils in the 4th round back in 2022. Orlov broke out in a […]SB NationMaple Leafs’ John Tavares Doesn’t Hold Back on Ex-Rival Sergei BobrovskyToronto Maple Leafs veteran John Tavares gives his honest thoughts on the addition of Sergei Bobrovsky. The post Maple Leafs’ John Tavares Doesn’t Hold Back on Ex-Rival Sergei Bobrovsky appeared first on HEAVY.HEAVYGermany's hockey league is upset at the NHL's plan to play games thereThe NHL is hosting its first regular-season games in Germany in 15 years, but the German league isn't happy. German Ice Hockey League managing director Gernot Tripcke has voiced frustration, saying the NHL scheduled its games without discussing the dates with his league and its teams, and arguing they should work together to promote the sport.Associated PressEU extends Russia sanction deadlineEU countries on Monday delayed a deadline for prolonging sanctions on Russia over the Ukraine war after France pushed for billionaire Alisher Usmanov to be removed from a blacklist. But ambassadors from the 27 EU member states pushed back the deadline one week after the late efforts from Paris to remove 73-year-old Uzbek-Russian metals tycoon Usmanov drew opposition.AFPSergei Bobrovsky Hopes Rare Long Summer Recharges Him In First Season With Maple LeafsA new team and a longer summer has Sergei Bobrovsky feeling refreshed as he enters the newest chapter of his NHL career.The Hockey News - Toronto Maple Leafs