UNDATED (AP) — The Colorado Avalanche have received the first selection in the June 30th NHL draft by winning Monday's lottery.

The Avs now have the best chance to get Portland Winterhawks defenseman Seth Jones, considered the top prospect in the draft. Jones is an outstanding two-way player who scored 14 goals and 56 points while posting a +46 in 61 games for the Winterhawks this year. The Plano, Texas, native is the son of former NBA player Popeye Jones and helped the U.S. reach the World Junior Championship title game last winter.

Colorado had an 18.8 percent chance of winning the lottery after finishing the regular season with a 16-25-7 record, worst in the Western Conference.

Florida has the second pick, followed by Tampa Bay, Nashville and Carolina. The Panthers had the best odds of securing the No. 1 pick after finishing dead last in the NHL this season.

CANONSBURG, Pa. (AP) — Sidney Crosby practiced Monday with his Pittsburgh teammates, but his status remains uncertain for Wednesday's playoff opener against the New York Islanders. Crosby hasn't played since breaking his jaw a month ago and was cleared to return to non-contact drills just last week. He'll see doctors again Tuesday and will not play until he is given clearance.

DALLAS (AP) — It didn't take the Dallas Stars to find a new general manager.

One day after firing Joe Nieuwendyk (NOO'-in-dyke), the Stars announced the hiring of Jim Nill. He spent the last 15 years as an assistant GM with the Red Wings.

His first decision with the Stars will involve the coaching position. Glen Gulutzan is currently the Stars head coach and Nill, who signed a five-year deal, says he wants to meet with everyone in the organization, Gulutzan included, before addressing a possible coaching change.

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