Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky praises Alex Ovechkin for his 'excellent' play as he approaches the goals record.

• Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky stated that Alex Ovechkin has excelled in the game.
• The Capitals star, approaching his all-time goals mark, said that all records must come to an end, as the "Great One" stated.
• The NHL is in a great place, according to Gretzky, and he believes that involving youth is crucial for the league's growth.

As Ovechkin gets closer to Gretzky's record, Gretzky expressed his admiration for Ovechkin.

"Gretzky praised Alex on CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Thursday, stating that he has been exceptional in their game. He added that he hopes to be the first person to shake Alex's hand when he breaks the record."

Gretzky added that all records must come to an end.

"That's progression in our sport," he said.

CNBC reported that the average NHL team is now worth nearly $2 billion, with Gretzky speaking about the sport's growing business significance.

On Wednesday, Gary Bettman, the NHL Commissioner, stated on "Squawk Box" that the value of our game is constantly rising.

This season, Ovechkin has added more intrigue to his pursuit of Gretzky's record, which has helped fuel the sport's growth in the 2010s.

On Oct. 15, 1989, Gretzky surpassed Gordie Howe's record as the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer by scoring an overtime game-winner.

Ovechkin is nearing Gretzky's record of 894 goals, with just 26 more to go. The Capitals announced on Tuesday that their captain will be out "week to week" after sustaining a leg injury, but he is expected to return this season.

At the time Gretzky broke Howe's all-time scoring record, he felt embarrassed to end his idol's milestone.

Gretzky stated that not only was he an exceptional player, but he was also a gracious gentleman.

Gretzky's dad told him that someone will break his record one day.

Gretzky said, "Well, can I enjoy this for just a couple days?"

Gretzky played for four teams in the NHL for 20 seasons, winning four Stanley Cups and appearing in 18 All-Star games. Despite amassing 61 NHL records, the hockey legend stated that he never prioritized the records.

Gretzky stated that he never focused on the records themselves while playing hockey, but rather was fortunate to be part of exceptional teams and cities. He always considers it an honor and a privilege to have played in the National Hockey League.

His competitive nature and desire to excel each night motivated him.

He stated that if he scored two goals that night, he desired to achieve three.

Gretzky praised Bettman, team owners, and players for improving the game as he witnessed Ovechkin come close to breaking a record that many believed would never be broken.

He stated that our game is currently at its best, with greater size and strength compared to any previous version.

Gretzky believes that youth development is crucial for growing the game. He has partnered with YardRink, a small Massachusetts-based company, to allow families to build their own rinks in their backyards.

Gretzky's dad constructed a backyard rink for him when he was young, which aided him in beginning his hockey career.

He emphasized that allowing children to participate in the game is crucial when discussing its expansion and growth.