What to do about a problem called Alex Ovechkin: A look at the NHLer's close ties to Putin

Alex Ovechkin is one of the greatest players in NHL history. He's second only to Wayne Gretzky for individual goals scored, and may one day beat the Great One in that most important record. 

But there is a problem: his unabashed support for Vladimir Putin, Russia's autocratic leader whose brutal and bloody war in Ukraine has been condemned by global leaders.

Not only has Ovechkin never criticized the Russian government for the invasion, but for years he has kept a photo of himself with Putin as the profile picture on his Instagram account.

While many Russian athletes have been barred from international competition since the war began, that hasn't happened in the NHL.

Now, some are questioning why Ovechkin hasn't faced discipline or suspension, despite being Putin's champion.

As soon as Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, the Washington Capitals knew they had an issue. 

The next day, the Capitals brought their captain out to speak to the media. First, Ovechkin, 37, made a neutral statement without assigning any blame.

"Please, no more war. It doesn't matter who's in the war — Russia, Ukraine, different countries," he said.

When asked if he still supported Vladimir Putin, Ovechkin replied, "Well, he's my president." With regard to the invasion, he said, "Like, I am Russian, right?"

And perhaps his most surprising comment? "I am not in politics, I am an athlete."

But Ovechkin has been very much a part of Russia's political scene since 2014, when Putin's army first invaded Ukraine, annexing Crimea and provoking war in the Ukrainian region of Donbas. 

Almost immediately, Ovechkin joined an online campaign to support Russia's actions.

Former hockey journalist Slava Malamud grew up in the Soviet Union but lives in the U.S.