Wayne Gretzky talks chasing Alex Ovechkin’s 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 break it. dethrone.

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

Gretzky added that all records must end.

“It’s a progression in our sport,” he said.

Gretzky spoke to CNBC as the sport he played a central role in building 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 compatriot 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 October 15, 1989, surpassing Gordie Howe’s record after scoring the game-winning goal in overtime.

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

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

“Not only was he a great player, but he was also a gentleman,” Gretzky said.

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

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

Gretzky played 20 seasons in the National Hockey League for four different teams. By the time he retired, he had accumulated 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 and never thought about the records themselves. I was lucky enough to play on big teams and in big 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 be at his best every night motivated him.

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

As he watches Ovechkin inch closer to a record many thought could never fall, Gretzky praised Bettman, the team owners and the players for improving the game.

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

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

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

“When we talk about expanding and developing our game, giving children the chance to play is an important part,” he added.