“Today, I want to announce a social movement in the name of PutinTeam,” Ovechkin wrote in the post, accompanied by a photo of Ovechkin being embraced by the Russian leader. Ted Leonsis, the Capitals team owner who signed Ovechkin to a 13-year, $124 million contract in 2008, declined to comment for this article, as did the league office. Several Russian hockey players, including those who have not publicly signed on to Ovechkin’s initiative, declined interview requests. While the Capitals organization may not be eager to discuss Ovechkin’s relationship with Putin, team officials are aware that it could upset some fans. “Putin plays hockey, Ovechkin plays hockey.

Source: Washington Post November 26, 2017 01:30 UTC