Blackburn missed the entire 2003-04 season with a nerve injury in his left shoulder and underwent surgery on March 31.
The 21-year-old was dubbed the Rangers' goaltender of the future when the team selected him with the 10th overall pick in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.
This year, New York spent its first-round pick on University of Michigan netminder Alvaro Montoya.
Dan Blackburn missed all of last season with a nerve injury in his left shoulder. (CP File Photo)
Blackburn made his NHL debut at 18 and became the fifth youngest goalie to appear in a game.
In two years with the Rangers, Blackburn is 20-32-4 with a 3.22 goals-against average in 63 games.
The Rangers also have signed defenceman David Liffiton, 19.
Considered one of the organization's top defensive prospects, Liffiton had two goals and 11 points in 44 games last season for the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League.
