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.

On Monday, Ovechkin was pulled in the third period from the Washington Capitals’ game against the Utah Hockey Club due to an injury. Ovechkin and Jack McBain collided knee-on-knee in the middle of the ice on accident and the Capitals forward had to be helped off the ice after the hit.