Alex Ovechkin pays tribute to Wayne Gretzky while visiting Edmonton Oilers

Ovechkin continuously paying his respect to Gretzky while he chases the NHL goals record has been an incredible sight of sportsmanship, just like Gretzky has been gracious with handing over the record.

Earlier this season, Ovechkin revealed that Gretzky texts him often to check up on him frequently through the record chase.

"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."

-Alexander Ovechkin

Ovechkin is now just 20 goals away, at 874 career goals, from tying Gretzky's record. With half of the NHL season remaining, it's very possible that he at least gets close to it this season. In 30 games this year, Ovechkin has 21 goals.

Ovechkin earns respect of Oilers fans for Gretzky tribute

It's not just Ovechkin respecting Gretzky and the Edmonton Oilers, the city and fans greatly respect the Capitals star. Back in 2017, Ovechkin was walking the streets of Edmonton and stopped to help a homeless man. The respect goes both ways.

On the other hand, some Oilers fans don't really want to see Ovechkin break Gretzky's record. Earlier this week, legendary Oiler Glen Sather said he firmly doesn't want the record to leave Gretzky and Canada.

However, it seems a certainty that Ovechkin will pass Wayne's record - and it will be fully deserved after decades of hard work and elite scoring talent. It's just great to see him pay respect to the previous record holder, and the last generation of greats.