Morning Hits: Expansion, Rinaldo, Crosby, Johnson and Mason
  • Rick Westheard of TSN: Two NHL owners said that Las Vegas expansion would bring in at least $450 million in expansion fees.

    “It’s going to be between $450 million and $500 million. I bet it comes in at about $475 million,” one owner told TSN, requesting anonymity because the league does not like owners to speak publicly about such issues.

  • Chris Daniels: Seattle Mayor Ed Murray said that he recently met with Gary Bettman and NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
  • Bob McKenzie: Flyers Zac Rinaldo will have his hearing at 12:30 pm on Monday. He waived his right for an in-person hearing. He still could be suspended for more than six games.
  • Frank Seravalli: “NHL contends in Ariz. suit that it spent $15,082,803 in legal fees in bankruptcy and sale of Coyotes. Can you imagine $ totaled for lockout?”
  • Dan Rosen: Penguins Sidney Crosby won’t play in the All-Star Game due to a lower-body injury. He’ll miss their next game against the Jets on Jan. 27th. Shelly Anderson: Crosby has to miss their next game because he pulled out of the All-Star Game. Evgeni Malkin is eligible to play but indications are that he’ll be out.
  • Louis Jean: Sources say that Sidney Crosby had an MRI at the beginning of the week. He played in their next two games. He was re-evaluated yesterday and was advised to rest.
  • Seth Rorabaugh: Crosby has only taken part in one All-Star game in his 10 year NHL career. He’s missed the 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2015 due to injury. The Olympics were in 2006, 2010 and 2014. The lockout was in 2013.
  • Mike Chambers: Avs Erik Johnson won’t play in the All-Star Game due to a lower-body injury.
  • Aaron Portzline: Blue Jackets Sergei Bobrovsky has an MRI yesterday afternoon. Injury status not known yet.
  • Tim Panaccio: The Flyers hope to goalie Steve Mason back after the break. It won’t be on Tuesday as he still hasn’t been on the ice.