"The Rangers shocked the hockey world in 2001-02 by giving the 18-year-old netminder loads of ice time in pressure situations. Blackburn responded admirably and has put himself in a position to take over as the No. 1 goalkeeper. When he actually becomes the definite starter in Manhattan is still very much up in the air. The youngster's combination of size and lateral movement is impressive. Furthermore, he rarely appears rattled between the pipes. When he cuts down on his youthful mistakes, he should rocket to stardom. The Blueshirts are committed to developing Blackburn for the long run. He will gradually be given more responsibilities. (The Sports Forecaster 2002-03, p. 99)

"Still only 22, Blackburn will have to combat the unfortunate nerve-damage woes in his left shoulder that curtailed a promising career with the New York Rangers. While he did return to action in 2004-05 by wearing two blockers and no trapper, the jury is out on a successful comeback. (The Sports Forecaster 2005-06, p. 99)

• Selected by New York Rangers in first round (first Rangers pick, tenth overall) of National Hockey League entry draft, June 23, 2001.
• Signed during NHL lockout by Victoria Salmon Kings (ECHL), February 4, 2005.
• Announced retirement due to nerve damage in his left shoulder, September 25, 2005.

• Winner, Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy, 1999-2000.
• Winner, Canadian Hockey League Rookie of the Year Award, 1999-2000.
• Named to Western Hockey League (East) All-Star Second Team, 1999-2000.
• Named to Western Hockey League (East) All-Star First Team, 2000-01.
• Named to Canadian Hockey League All-Star First Team, 2000-01.
• Winner, Canadian Hockey League Goaltender of the Year Award, 2000-01.
• Winner, Del Wilson Trophy, 2000-01.
• Named to National Hockey League All-Rookie Team, 2001-02.
• Played in Topps/NHL YoungStars Game, 2001-02.

• National Hockey League debut: October 10, 2001, in 5-2 loss to Washington Capitals.

• Finger injury; missed two games, October 17, 2002.
• Groin injury; missed one game, Decmeber 16, 2002.
• Left shoulder injury; missed entire season, October 7, 2003.

• On October 10, 2001, Dan became the fifth-youngest goaltender to appear in a National Hockey League game at eighteen years, 143 days old.
• On October 15, 2001, Dan became the third-youngest goaltender to win a National Hockey League game.
• During his rookie National Hockey League season, Dan stayed in New York with the family of ABC Sports analyst John Davidson, himself a former Rangers' netminder.