Wayne Gretzky can’t wait to watch Alex Ovechkin resume his pursuit of his record-setting NHL goals this season from his new NHL studio analyst seat on TNT.

Ovechkin will appear in the Washington Capitals’ opener against the New York Rangers at Capital One Arena on October 13 (7:30 p.m. ET; TNT) with 730 goals in 16 NHL seasons, 165 away from breaking Gretzky’s record. from 894.

“In Game 1, we’ll see Washington and Alex trying to break my record, which I hope he breaks,” Gretzky said on a conference call Wednesday providing a preview of the inaugural season of the seven-year deal. from Turner Sports to broadcast regular NHL players. -Season and Stanley Cup playoff games on TNT and TBS. “I’m really excited to have the chance to watch it throughout the year.”

Gretzky, who retired in 1999 after 20 seasons in the NHL, holds or shares 61 league records, including goals, assists (1,963) and points (2,857). He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1999.

Gretzky entered into a multi-year agreement to join Turner Sports as an NHL studio analyst on May 26. The studio panel will also include host Liam McHugh, former NHL forward and coach Rick Tocchet, former NHL forward Anson Carter and former NHL forward Paul Bissonnette.

“People said all the time, ‘You sit down and talk hockey, you might as well be on TV and talking to the public,’ Gretzky said. “So I’m really excited about this opportunity. There are so many great young players in the game today, guys like (Edmonton Oilers forward) Connor mcdavid and (Colorado Avalanche forward) Nathan MacKinnon and (Toronto Maple Leafs forward) Auston matthews and, of course, guys like Alex Ovechkin and (the Pittsburgh Penguins forward) Sidney crosby. “

[RELATED: NHL preseason doubleheader to begin Turner schedule]

Ovechkin often downplays his chances of breaking Gretzky’s record. But after signing a five-year, $ 47.5 million contract to stay with Washington on July 27, the 36-year-old admitted the length of the contract was tied to the continuation of the story.

“That’s why I want to play five more years,” Ovechkin said. “To have a chance of catching the Big One, why not?”

Ovechkin, who scored 24 goals in 45 games last season, needs to average 33 goals per season to break Gretzky’s record before his new contract expires.

Gretzky thinks this is part of Ovechkin’s abilities.

“He’s definitely got a legitimate shot,” he said. “Let’s call a spade a spade. He’s got a great opportunity. He’s part of a good team. He plays with very good center players. He loves to play and loves to play in Washington. So he has to be himself, y go and play hard like he does every night. “

Ovechkin is currently sixth in goals in NHL history and can climb to third with 37 goals this season. The Moscow native is one goal behind Marcel Dionne (731) for the fifth, 11 behind Brett Hull (741) for the fourth and 36 behind Jaromir Jagr (766) for the third.

If Ovechkin overtakes Jagr, he would only trail Gordie Howe (801) and Gretzky. Then the countdown to the scoring record would begin in earnest.

“If he can stay healthy I think that’s the best thing for the game,” said Gretzky. “I think it’s positive. He’s been so good not only for the NHL, but he’s been great for hockey in Russia. He has been excellent for hockey all over the world. So I’m just one of his biggest fans and that’s only good for the game if he can break the record.

“So he just needs to be relaxed and it’s going to take two, three, four years, but eventually he’s probably going to break the record.”