Avs can't count on a draft surprise

Where's Darko Milicic when the Avalanche needs him?

The Avalanche, currently without a general manager, has more than two months to decide which player to zero in on as its probable selection in the No. 3 slot in the first round of the June 26-27 NHL entry draft in Montreal.

It still seems a safe bet that the New York Islanders will take London Knights center John Tavares and the Tampa Bay Lightning will claim Swedish defenseman Victor Hedman.

But surprises happen, even high in drafts, as the Nuggets discovered when Detroit took Milicic with the second choice of the NBA draft six years ago, allowing Denver the chance to select Carmelo Anthony.

:fogatlan: