Alex Ovechkin shares text messages he’s gotten from Wayne Gretzky as he chases goal record

This season, all eyes are on Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin, who is on the verge of becoming the NHL’s all-time goals leader. He currently has 855 career tallies and if he wants to pull off this accomplishment in 2024-25, he will need to record 39 goals in order to top Wayne Gretzky’s league record. In 2023-24, Ovi put up 31 goals. Can he get eight more this year to top the Great One’s record?

If some fans are skeptical it can get done, Gretzky himself isn’t worried. Ovechkin recently shared the text messages he’s been getting from the legendary player and it sounds like the Great One is convinced the Caps’ captain will break his record this season and has sent out his support to Ovi on several occasions.

“Even when I have a slump, he will sometimes text me and say, ‘Don’t worry about it. It will come.’ He’s on my side.”

“If that kind of person is rooting for me, it’s pretty cool stuff. He’s the best player out there and he’s a great human. He supports me and it’s a pretty cool thing.”

Although Ovechkin recorded 31 goals last season, he did show signs of slowing down, scoring just eight goals in his first 43 games. He did manage to get back on track, scoring 23 goals in 36 games, but some fans are wondering if age is catching up to Ovi.

But Gretzky remains confident in what the Capitals’ star can accomplish and has already accepted that his record will be broken. This is what he told Tom Gulitti of NHL.com:

“It’s just a matter of time, whether it’s late this year, early next year, whenever. I mean, he’s a great player. He’s a great goal scorer.”

Gretzky has held the record since since March 23, 1994, when he leaped over his idol Gordie Howe (801). Ovechkin is hoping to get more texts from the Great One, maybe some advice as he gets closer to breaking the record.

“I hope when it’s going to be close, he’ll give me some advice,” Ovechkin said. “But not yet.”