CHICAGO — Now that the NHL draft is over, the Rangers can focus internally, and that’s starting with a change in the coaching staff.
First-year assistant Jeff Beukeboom will no longer hold that job next season, and all signs are pointing to veteran headman Lindy Ruff taking over the defensive responsibilities, if not more. Because the deal with Ruff was not completed, general manager Jeff Gorton would not confirm the new hire. But he would confirm that Beukeboom is not leaving the Rangers organization, just shifting roles.
“We met with Jeff and we agreed on both sides to offer him another job,” Gorton said on Saturday afternoon at United Center, where rounds 2-7 of the draft took place.