"Alex has been exceptional for our game," Gretzky said on CNBC's " Squawk Box " on Thursday. 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. Thirty-five years later, Ovechkin is closing in on breaking Gretzky's record of 894 goals, with 26 more to go. Gretzky told CNBC that at the time he broke Howe's all-time scoring record, he felt embarrassed to end his idol's milestone. Gretzky played 20 seasons in the National Hockey League for four different teams.

---

Persons: Gretzky, Alex, Alex Ovechkin, Wayne Gretzky's, dethrone, Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby, Gordie Howe's, Howe's, Gretzky's, Bettman Organizations: CNBC, NHL, Washington Capitals, One, Capitals, National Hockey League, Stanley, YardRink Locations: Wayne, Massachusetts