What happened: Alex Ovechkin took questions about support for Putin's agenda at a press-conference availability. He closed the exchange by asking to move on to hockey questions.

Why it matters: The backlash to his Putin campaign ad has kept his political ties in focus beyond hockey. The timing extends that scrutiny into the runway to the 2025-26 preseason.

What to watch: Further preseason availabilities will show whether questions on the ad continue.