Wayne Gretzky talks Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of NHL goals record

As Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin closes in on Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record, the Great One told CNBC he has nothing but admiration for the player who could soon dethrone him.

“Alex has been exceptional for our game,” Gretzky said on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” on Thursday. “I hope to be the first to shake his hand when he breaks the record.”

Gretzky added that all records must come to an end.

“That’s progress in our sport,” he said.

Gretzky spoke to CNBC as the sport he played a pivotal role in becomes an even bigger business. The average NHL team is now worth nearly $2 billion according to official CNBC valuations released Wednesday.

“Our game is becoming more and more valuable,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman told “Squawk Box” on Wednesday.

Ovechkin, whose rivalry with all-time teammate Sidney Crosby helped fuel the sport’s growth in the 2010s, has created more intrigue this season with his pursuit of Gretzky’s record.

Gretzky made history as the NHL’s all-time leading scorer on March 23, 1994, surpassing Gordie Howe’s record.

Thirty years later, Ovechkin is on the verge of breaking Gretzky’s record of 894 goals, with 26 more to go. On Tuesday, the Capitals announced that their captain will be out “week-to-week” after suffering a leg injury, but is expected to return this season.

Gretzky told CNBC that at the time he broke Howe’s all-time scoring record, he felt embarrassed about ending his idol’s milestone.

“He was not only a great player, but also a gentleman,” Gretzky said.

Gretzky’s father told him that one day someone will break his record.

“I looked at my dad and said, ‘Well, can I enjoy this just for a couple of days?'” Gretzky said.

Gretzky played 20 seasons in the National Hockey League for four different teams. When he retired, he amassed 61 NHL records, four Stanley Cups and 18 All-Star Game appearances. But the hockey great said he never cared about records.

“I never played or thought about the records themselves. I was fortunate to play for great teams and in great cities. I always tell people it was an honor and a privilege to play in the National Hockey League,” Gretzky said.

He said his competitive streak and desire to do his best every night drove him.

“If I scored two goals that night, I wanted to score three,” he added.

As he watches Ovechkin approach a record many thought they could never reach, Gretzky praised Bettman, the team owners and the players for improving the game.

“I think our game is stronger, bigger and better today than ever,” he added.

Gretzky said the key to growing the game is through youth development. It has partnered with YardRink, a small Massachusetts company that allows families to build their own rinks in their backyard.

Gretzky said his own father built him a track in his backyard when he was young, which helped him get started in the sport.

“When we talk about expanding and growing our game, giving kids the opportunity to play is a big part of it,” he added.