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Matthew Barnaby
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Matthew Barnaby
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Matthew Barnaby (born May 4, 1973) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey right winger. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Buffalo Sabres, Pittsburgh Penguins, Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Rangers, Colorado Avalanche, Chicago Blackhawks, and Dallas Stars.

Key Information

Playing career

[edit]

Barnaby was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres 83rd overall in the fourth round in the 1992 NHL entry draft. He was drafted from the QMJHL where he spent four seasons with the Beauport Harfangs, Verdun Collège Français and Victoriaville Tigres, leading the league in penalty minutes in 1992 and 1993.[1] After completing his QMJHL career with the Tigres, Barnaby joined the Sabres for the end of 1992–93 season.

Barnaby, who was considered a pest and agitator during his career, spent the next few seasons playing for the Sabres and AHL affiliate Rochester Americans. Barnaby established a full-time role with the Sabres in the 1995–96 season, recording a career-high in penalty minutes with 335. He was frequently involved in on-ice altercations, and among other incidents he made headlines in 1996, when in a game against the Philadelphia Flyers after a few hits and Barnaby lying on the ice presumably injured, a brawl between the two teams started. With the brawl in full motion, Barnaby jumped to his skates to punish Garth Snow, goaltender of the Flyers, who was poking Barnaby with his stick while the officials weren't looking.[2] In 1996–97 Barnaby scored a career-high 19 goals and 43 points in 68 games.

After seven seasons with the Sabres organization during the 1998–99 season, Barnaby was traded by the Sabres to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Stu Barnes on March 11, 1999. One of his most celebrated fights came the following season in 2000 against his former Sabre teammate Rob Ray after dining with Ray the previous night.[3]

Barnaby played in 129 games with the Penguins before he was traded on February 1, 2001, to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Wayne Primeau. After struggling to provide an impact to start the 2001–02 season for the Lightning, Barnaby was again traded to the New York Rangers for Zdeno Ciger on December 12, 2001. After going scoreless with Tampa Bay in 29 games Barnaby responded with a resurgence of form with the Rangers, scoring 21 points in 48 games. Barnaby became a fan favourite in the Big Apple and played in 196 games before he was traded to the playoff bound Colorado Avalanche in the 2003–04 season, for David Liffiton and Chris McAllister on March 8, 2004.[4]

On July 2, 2004, Barnaby signed a three-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks.[5] After the 2004–05 NHL lockout, he played his first season with the Hawks in 2005–06. Suffering from the year of hiatus he was subsequently bought-out of his contract following the season.[6]

Barnaby, again a free agent, signed a one-year deal with the Dallas Stars on July 5, 2006.[7] In the 2006–07 season, Barnaby recorded his 300th, and final point, on December 23, 2006 against the Edmonton Oilers.[8] He played only 39 games with the Stars before suffering a season-ending concussion against the Phoenix Coyotes on January 9, 2007. Struggling with the effects of his concussion Barnaby announced his retirement from the NHL in July 2007.[9]

Broadcasting career

[edit]

In September 2007, it was announced via the Sabres website that Barnaby would be given a tryout for replacing Jim Lorentz as color commentator for the Sabres. He served in that capacity for the September 26 pre-season game. The permanent position, however, went to Harry Neale instead. Barnaby also co-hosted The Enforcers on Time Warner Cable SportsNet with Rob Ray until joining ESPN as an NHL analyst in late 2008.[10] He was an occasional broadcaster and analyst for the show NHL on TSN.[11] On December 5, 2011, ESPN terminated its contract with Barnaby after his arrest on suspicion of DWI earlier in the day.

Later life

[edit]

During the 2013–14 season, Barnaby played Senior AAA hockey with the Dundas Real McCoys of the Ontario Hockey Association's Major League Hockey.[12]

In June 2016, Barnaby was named an assistant coach of the Ontario Hockey League's Kitchener Rangers. He was released from the Rangers on October 3, 2017.

Barnaby lives in Ottawa and is a hockey analyst on The Power Play on SiriusXM channel 91. Since 2019, he has hosted a podcast called "Unfiltered with Matthew Barnaby".[13] Outside of hockey, Barnaby is the co-owner of a company called Hunger Cave.[14] He has also been involved in charitable work raising money for Alzheimer's since his grandmother died from the disease.[15]

Barnaby's autobiography Matthew Barnaby: Unfiltered was released in November 2022.

[edit]

On May 13, 2011, Barnaby was arrested for domestic violence in Amherst, New York.[16] He was accused of causing an estimated $300 in damage after kicking a garage door in an attempt to enter the suburban Buffalo home where his estranged wife and two children lived, Erie County District Attorney Frank Sedita's office said.[17] On May 14, 2011, Barnaby pleaded not guilty to felony criminal mischief and was ordered to complete 500 hours of community service to have charges dropped. As part of the ruling, he was also issued a one-year order of protection from his wife. He was barred from taking what was described as any "offensive" action against his wife, and was ordered to avoid contact with his wife's boyfriend, the DA's office said. Barnaby was also ordered to continue attending anger management counseling. As part of the plea agreement, the misdemeanor charges of criminal mischief and aggravated harassment were to be dropped if he fulfilled the judge's order within a year.[17][18]

On December 5, 2011, Barnaby was arrested near his home in Clarence, New York. Police found him driving a car that had damage to its front end and was missing its front tire. Barnaby failed field sobriety tests and refused a breath test, and he subsequently had his license revoked. On December 13, he pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated, refusing a breath test, driving with unsafe tires, and failing to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles of his address change. Barnaby was ordered to perform 100 hours of community service, attend alcohol abuse counseling, and pay a $1,950 fine.[19]

Career statistics

[edit]

Bold indicates led league

Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
1989–90 Hull Frontaliers QAHA 50 43 50 93 149 — — — — —
1989–90 Outaouais Frontaliers QMAAA 2 0 0 0 0 — — — — —
1990–91 Beauport Harfangs QMJHL 52 9 5 14 262 — — — — —
1991–92 Beauport Harfangs QMJHL 63 29 37 66 476 — — — — —
1992–93 Beauport Harfangs QMJHL 19 12 23 35 144 — — — — —
1992–93 Verdun Collège Français QMJHL 33 26 35 61 217 — — — — —
1992–93 Victoriaville Tigres QMJHL 13 6 9 15 87 6 2 4 6 44
1992–93 Buffalo Sabres NHL 2 1 0 1 10 1 0 1 1 4
1993–94 Rochester Americans AHL 42 10 32 42 153 — — — — —
1993–94 Buffalo Sabres NHL 35 2 4 6 106 3 0 0 0 17
1994–95 Rochester Americans AHL 56 21 29 50 274 — — — — —
1994–95 Buffalo Sabres NHL 23 1 1 2 116 — — — — —
1995–96 Buffalo Sabres NHL 73 15 16 31 335 — — — — —
1996–97 Buffalo Sabres NHL 68 19 24 43 249 8 0 4 4 36
1997–98 Buffalo Sabres NHL 72 5 20 25 289 15 7 6 13 22
1998–99 Buffalo Sabres NHL 44 4 14 18 143 — — — — —
1998–99 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 18 2 2 4 34 13 0 0 0 35
1999–2000 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 64 12 12 24 197 11 0 2 2 29
2000–01 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 47 1 4 5 168 — — — — —
2000–01 Tampa Bay Lightning NHL 29 4 4 8 97 — — — — —
2001–02 Tampa Bay Lightning NHL 29 0 0 0 70 — — — — —
2001–02 New York Rangers NHL 48 8 13 21 144 — — — — —
2002–03 New York Rangers NHL 79 14 22 36 142 — — — — —
2003–04 New York Rangers NHL 69 12 20 32 120 — — — — —
2003–04 Colorado Avalanche NHL 13 4 5 9 37 11 0 2 2 27
2005–06 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 82 8 20 28 178 — — — — —
2006–07 Dallas Stars NHL 39 1 6 7 127 — — — — —
2013–14 Dundas Real McCoys ACH 3 1 2 3 14 — — — — —
NHL totals 834 113 187 300 2,562 62 7 15 22 170

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Matthew Barnaby

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Matthew Barnaby (born May 4, 1973) is a Canadian former right winger who played 14 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1992 to 2007, primarily known for his role as an agitator and enforcer who led the league in penalty minutes twice and accumulated 2,562 penalty minutes over 834 games. Drafted by the in the fourth round, 83rd overall, of the 1992 NHL Entry Draft, Barnaby debuted with the Sabres in the 1992–93 season and established himself as a full-time NHL player by 1995–96, when he led the league with 335 penalty minutes while contributing 13 goals and 33 points in 73 games. His tenure with Buffalo, spanning seven seasons, highlighted his physical style, including a career-high 19 goals in 1996–97 alongside 249 penalty minutes, as part of a gritty forward group that helped the Sabres reach the 1999 Stanley Cup Finals. Barnaby was traded to the on March 11, 1999, where he played two full seasons and served as an alternate captain in 1999–2000. Subsequent trades took Barnaby to the Tampa Bay Lightning on February 1, 2001, and then to the New York Rangers on December 12, 2001, the Colorado Avalanche in March 2004, the Chicago Blackhawks in July 2005, and finally the Dallas Stars in August 2006, where he concluded his career with one season of 10 goals and 21 points in 53 games. Across his NHL career with seven teams, he recorded 113 goals, 187 assists, and 300 points, with his second league-leading penalty minutes total coming in 2000–01 (265 PIM split between Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay). Barnaby retired in July 2007 at age 34 due to post-concussion syndrome symptoms. Following retirement, Barnaby transitioned to broadcasting, serving as an NHL analyst for from 2008 to 2011 before being released after a . He later became a hockey analyst on SiriusXM's NHL Network Radio show The Power Play and launched the Unfiltered with Matthew Barnaby in 2019, while also authoring the 2023 book Unfiltered.

Early life and junior career

Upbringing in Ottawa

Matthew Barnaby was born on May 4, 1973, in , , , with his originally listing the name Neil Barnaby before it was crossed out, though the reason for this change remains unknown. He was raised by his single mother, Sandra Simmons, a social worker who supported the family despite financial challenges, while his biological father, Dwayne Hewston, was absent from his life with no contact or expressed interest from Barnaby. Barnaby's older brother, Brent, fourteen years his senior, served as a significant , and their grandmother, Simmons, also played a key role in his upbringing. Growing up in and later in the Nepean suburb, Barnaby was an energetic child with a strong focus on sports, remaining small in stature until his mid-teens. Immersed in Ottawa's vibrant hockey culture, he developed a passion for the sport from ages four or five, heavily influenced by Brent's fandom for the ; by age five, Barnaby could recite the entire 1977 Canadiens roster. His family provided unwavering support, with his mother scraping together funds for essential skating lessons despite their limited means, and Brent frequently attending games, sharing hockey viewings, and joining in pickup games. Barnaby's initial exposure to hockey came through local rinks and minor leagues, beginning with his first skates at age five as part of the Hawthorne Saints at Walkley Arena in south Ottawa. He frequently skated at Walkley Arena and outdoor rinks near his school in Nepean, often daily by age ten, and entered competitive minor hockey around ages eight or nine, where he excelled as a scorer despite initially weak skating skills that improved through power skating lessons from coach Bucky Buchanan. Anecdotes from his formative years highlight his ambition and family bonds, such as at age twelve when he boldly suggested renting a plane to travel between soccer and hockey games, or the time Brent protected him during a heated pickup game brawl; in a rarer moment of mischief, young Barnaby once kicked Brent in the face, breaking his nose, and hid in his room to evade punishment.

Junior hockey development

Matthew Barnaby began his junior hockey career in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) after being selected in the 20th round of the 1990 QMJHL Entry Draft by the expansion Beauport Harfangs. Growing up in , where he developed a strong passion for the sport through local rinks and minor hockey, Barnaby transitioned to the competitive QMJHL environment at age 16. In his 1990–91 season with the Harfangs, he appeared in 52 games, recording 9 goals and 5 assists for 14 points while accumulating 262 penalty minutes, establishing an early reputation for physical play despite limited offensive production. Barnaby's development accelerated in the 1991–92 season, where he remained with Beauport and improved markedly, posting 29 goals and 37 assists for 66 points in 63 games, alongside a league-leading 458 penalty minutes that underscored his emerging enforcer role. He frequently engaged in fights, including multiple bouts during training camps, which helped him build toughness despite his initial slight frame of 5-foot-10 and 145 pounds; one notable incident involved 13 fights over two days, though he suffered defeats against established tough guys like Enrico Ciccone. During the 1992–93 season, Barnaby split time across three QMJHL teams—starting with 19 games for Beauport (12 goals, 23 assists, 144 PIM), then 33 games with Verdun College-Français (26 goals, 35 assists, 217 PIM), and finishing with 13 games for the Victoriaville Tigres (6 goals, 9 assists, 95 PIM)—totaling 44 goals, 67 assists, 111 points, and 456 penalty minutes in 65 games, further honing his agitating and competitive style that combined scoring with physicality. His standout junior performance culminated in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft, where the selected him in the fourth round, 83rd overall, recognizing his blend of skill and tenacity as a promising right winger. Over his entire QMJHL tenure spanning 180 regular-season games, Barnaby tallied 82 goals, 109 assists, and 1,176 penalty minutes, solidifying his profile as a tough competitor ready for professional hockey.

Professional playing career

Buffalo Sabres era

Matthew Barnaby made his NHL debut with the in the 1992–93 season, playing in two regular-season games and one playoff contest after being selected 83rd overall in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft following a productive junior career in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) with teams including the Beauport Harfangs. He split his early professional years between the Sabres and their (AHL) affiliate, the , gradually earning a more permanent role in Buffalo by the mid-1990s. Barnaby quickly established himself as an enforcer on the Sabres, valued for his physicality, willingness to engage in fights, and ability to protect teammates through aggressive play. In the 1995–96 season, his first as a full-time NHL player, he set a career-high with 335 penalty minutes over 73 games, ranking among the league's leaders in PIM and exemplifying the gritty style that defined Buffalo's roster alongside enforcers like . His combative presence contributed to the team's tough identity during an era of intense rivalries, particularly with Northeast Division opponents like the and . Complementing his enforcer role, Barnaby demonstrated offensive skill, particularly in the 1996–97 season when he achieved a personal best of 19 goals and 43 points in 68 games, helping the Sabres secure a playoff spot. Over his Sabres tenure from 1992–93 to 1998–99, he amassed 47 goals, 79 assists, and 1,248 penalty minutes in 317 regular-season games. Barnaby's contributions extended to the playoffs, where the Sabres qualified in four of his seasons, including limited appearances in 1992–93 (one game) and 1993–94 (three games). His most notable postseason run came in 1997–98, when Buffalo advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals; Barnaby recorded 7 goals and 6 assists in 15 games, including his first career playoff in Game 2 of the conference semifinals against , aiding victories over the Flyers in the first round and Canadiens in the second. In the 1996–97 playoffs, he added 4 assists in 8 games during a first-round loss to . Overall, he tallied 7 goals and 11 assists with 79 penalty minutes in 27 playoff games for Buffalo.

Trades and later NHL teams

Barnaby was traded from the to the on March 11, 1999, in exchange for center , marking the beginning of his journeyman phase in the NHL. With the Penguins, he embraced his enforcer role, contributing physicality and agitation to complement stars like and Jaromir Jagr, while appearing in 13 playoff games during the 1999 postseason. On February 1, 2001, Barnaby was dealt to the for center Wayne Primeau, where he played 58 regular-season games over parts of two seasons, focusing on penalty-killing and forechecking duties amid the team's rebuilding efforts. His tenure there was brief but highlighted his adaptability, as he racked up 167 penalty minutes in a lineup short on grit. Later that year, on December 12, 2001, the traded to the in exchange for left wing Zdeno Ciger, a move aimed at bolstering the Rangers' physical presence during their competitive push. In New York, solidified his reputation as a pest and protector, logging 196 games with 34 goals and 406 penalty minutes; he was involved in several high-profile altercations, including a notable fight against San Jose's on November 30, 2003, which underscored his willingness to engage opponents. Seeking depth for their playoff-contending roster, the Rangers traded Barnaby to the on March 8, 2004, along with a third-round draft pick, for defenseman Chris McAllister and a second-round pick. He appeared in 13 games for that season, scoring 4 goals and adding 37 penalty minutes, and contributed to their postseason run with 11 playoff games, providing energy on the fourth line. On July 2, 2004, Barnaby signed a three-year free-agent contract with the . Due to the subsequent , he did not play until the 2005–06 season, reuniting him with a team in transition. In the 2005-06 season, he played all 82 games, tallying 8 goals, 20 assists, and 178 penalty minutes, including a fight against Nashville's Jeremy Stevenson on October 25, 2005, that exemplified his ongoing enforcer responsibilities. After his contract was bought out by on June 26, 2006, Barnaby signed a one-year deal with the on July 5, 2006, to add veteran toughness to their Western Conference contender. He suited up for 39 games in 2006-07, recording 1 goal and 127 penalty minutes, before his season was cut short. Across these six teams from 1999 to 2007, Barnaby played in 517 games (part of his career total of 834), evolving from a complementary agitator to a reliable depth enforcer who adapted to diverse systems while consistently delivering physical play and secondary scoring. His high penalty totals—over 1,300 minutes in this period—reflected his role in protecting teammates and disrupting opponents, cementing his status as a quintessential NHL .
TeamYearsGPGAPIM
1999–20011291518399
2001–025844167
2001–041963455406
2004134537
2005–0682820178
2006–073916127

Retirement due to injury

Barnaby announced his retirement from the National Hockey League on July 25, 2007, following a severe sustained on January 11, 2007, during a fight with Phoenix Coyotes forward Josh Gratton while playing for the in the 2006–07 season. The decision stemmed from the cumulative toll of injuries accumulated over 15 NHL seasons, including an estimated 15 concussions and extensive physical wear from his role as an enforcer, which involved frequent fights and high-contact play. In his 2022 autobiography Unfiltered, Barnaby reflected on the initial challenges of adjusting to life without professional hockey, describing the abrupt transition as disorienting and marked by a loss of identity tied to the sport. This retirement abruptly ended a career in which he recorded 113 goals, 187 assists, and 300 points alongside 2,562 penalty minutes in 834 games, underscoring the physical cost of his gritty style.

Post-retirement pursuits

Broadcasting roles

Following his retirement from professional hockey, Matthew Barnaby pivoted to a career in sports broadcasting, leveraging his on-ice experience as a gritty enforcer to provide insightful analysis. In 2007, he co-hosted The Enforcers, a hockey-focused program on Time Warner Cable SportsNet in Buffalo, alongside former teammate . The show featured discussions on NHL topics and local hockey news until Barnaby's departure in late 2008. In September 2008, he joined as a lead NHL analyst, contributing to game coverage and studio segments during the network's NHL broadcasts. Barnaby's tenure at ended on December 5, 2011, when the network terminated his contract following his arrest for driving while intoxicated. After leaving , he joined SiriusXM NHL Network Radio as co-host of The Power Play alongside Steve Kouleas, providing daily analysis on NHL news, interviews, and game previews from around 2015 onward. Since 2019, Barnaby has hosted the podcast Unfiltered with Matthew Barnaby, a platform for unscripted conversations on NHL storylines, featuring interviews with current and former players, coaches, and executives. The show emphasizes candid takes on hockey's behind-the-scenes dynamics and current events. In 2025, he continued his media contributions, including guest spots on programs like The Rod Pedersen Show, where he analyzed pressing NHL topics such as team strategies and playoff races.

Coaching and senior playing

After retiring from professional hockey, Barnaby returned to the ice in a senior amateur capacity, joining the of the Hockey Association's Major League Hockey for the 2013–14 season. In three regular-season games, he recorded one goal and two assists, while contributing to the team's postseason run where they captured the as national senior champions. This stint allowed Barnaby to reconnect with competitive play alongside former teammates, including future head coach , in a lower-pressure environment focused on team success rather than individual stats. In June 2016, Barnaby transitioned into , accepting an assistant role with the Ontario Hockey League's under head coach , a longtime friend and fellow ex-NHL enforcer. Over the 2016–17 season, he supported the team's efforts in player development, drawing on his 14-year NHL career—marked by 2,562 penalty minutes—to mentor young prospects on balancing physicality with discipline. Barnaby emphasized restraint and smart decision-making on the ice, advising players to avoid unnecessary penalties that could derail their careers, a lesson honed from his own experiences as an agitator who amassed over 70 penalty minutes in multiple seasons. His approach focused on building resilience and game awareness, helping the achieve a 36–27–0–5 record and a playoff berth, though no individual coaching awards were noted during his tenure. Barnaby's time with the Rangers ended on October 3, 2017, when the team mutually parted ways due to philosophical differences with management, as stated by general manager Mike McKenzie. He later served as skills coach for the (QJHL) and assistant coach for the Rockland Nationals (CCHL) during the 2022–23 season. Despite the short durations, his involvement highlighted a shift toward leveraging his enforcer background for constructive guidance in junior hockey, paralleling his ongoing broadcasting work.

Personal life and legacy

Family and business ventures

Barnaby has two children from his first marriage: a son, Matthew Barnaby Jr., born on May 2, 1998, in , and a daughter, Taylor. His son followed in his footsteps by pursuing a hockey career, playing as a forward in the during the 2024–25 season with the after previous stints with teams including the and (both ), and currently with of the as of 2025. Barnaby has featured his daughter on his , Unfiltered with Matthew Barnaby, highlighting their close relationship. In 2014, Barnaby married Veronique Robitaille, whom he knew from his junior hockey days in through her . The couple resides in the Buffalo area, near , where Barnaby maintains strong community ties post-retirement. Outside of hockey, Barnaby co-owns Hunger Cave, a company specializing in providing frozen foods to retail stores, which he launched as a business venture in the late . This endeavor reflects his transition to entrepreneurial pursuits, balancing life with non-sports-related opportunities in . On May 13, 2011, Matthew Barnaby was arrested in , on charges related to following an altercation at the home he shared with his then-wife and children, where he allegedly damaged property and made harassing phone calls. He was charged with second-degree criminal mischief (), second-degree criminal , second-degree criminal , , and aggravated , and pleaded not guilty to all counts during his . In July 2011, Barnaby reached an agreement with prosecutors to have the charges dismissed upon successful completion of 500 hours of , which he fulfilled without further violations. Less than seven months later, on December 5, 2011, Barnaby was arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) in , after Erie County Sheriff's deputies pulled over his damaged , which was missing a front and had been driven approximately nine miles in that condition; he failed field sobriety tests and refused a . On December 13, 2011, he pleaded guilty to DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation, refusal to take a breath test, and operating with improper , resulting in a $1,950 fine, a one-year revocation, mandatory alcohol abuse counseling, and 100 hours of speaking to schoolchildren about the dangers of impaired driving. The DWI directly led to 's termination from his role as an NHL analyst at , effective immediately on December 5, 2011, as the network cited the incident in parting ways with him. In March 2020, was ed in , on charges of assault and public intoxication after allegedly choking a during an altercation at a bar. He was released on $6,000 bond and the charges were dropped in September 2020. No further legal incidents or convictions have been reported involving Barnaby since 2020 as of 2025. In his 2022 , Matthew Barnaby: Unfiltered, he reflects on these events as pivotal moments that prompted significant personal growth and changes in his life.

Philanthropy and autobiography

Barnaby has been actively involved in efforts for research and awareness, motivated by the loss of his grandmother, , to the condition several years ago. He has shared that witnessing the disease's devastating impact on his family firsthand fueled his commitment, stating, "I’m passionate about raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s research" and expressing a desire to "play a small role in efforts to positively change some of those negative outcomes." His participation includes playing in the annual Alzheimer’s Pro-Am Hockey Tournament in , a multi-day event supporting the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and , where teams compete based on totals aiming for at least $25,000 per team. Additionally, in 2019, Barnaby teamed up with former teammate for a event sharing hockey anecdotes to benefit local charities. In November 2022, Barnaby released his autobiography, Matthew Barnaby: Unfiltered, co-authored with Kevin Shea and published by Triumph Books. The book provides a candid reflection on his 14-season NHL career, from being the last player drafted in juniors to navigating trades across multiple teams, emphasizing the determination required to succeed as an unlikely agitator. Key themes include the physical toll of the sport, such as injuries and on-ice battles, alongside regrets over high-risk plays and the unvarnished realities of professional hockey's demands. Barnaby also explores life lessons derived from memorable hijinks with larger-than-life teammates, transitions, and personal growth amid the sport's challenges. Beyond charity and writing, Barnaby has contributed to hockey's legacy through , notably by his sons' minor hockey teams in Buffalo during the mid-2010s to foster quality time and teach fundamentals. His son, Matthew Jr., later advanced to junior hockey with the . Complementing this, Barnaby hosts the Unfiltered With Matthew Barnaby, launched in 2019, where he interviews NHL players, coaches, and executives to share insights on the game's evolution, offering guidance to younger audiences on resilience and professionalism. As of 2025, Barnaby remains engaged in media, providing on NHL storylines through regular appearances on shows like The Rod Pedersen Show and contributions to Daily Faceoff, maintaining his influence without major shifts in his post-retirement activities.

Career statistics and achievements

NHL regular season and playoffs

Barnaby played 834 regular season games in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1992 to 2007, accumulating 113 goals, 187 assists, 300 points, a rating of +5, and 2,562 penalty minutes. Known as an enforcer, he reflected his role in protecting teammates through physical play, including an estimated 256 fights across his career. He led the NHL in penalty minutes twice, with 335 in 1995–96 and 265 in 2000–01. His peak offensive season came in 1996–97 with 19 goals and 43 points, while his highest penalty minutes in a single year were 335 in 1995–96. The following table summarizes Barnaby's NHL regular season performance year by year:
SeasonTeam(s)GPGAPTS+/-PIM
1992–93BUF2101010
1993–94BUF35246-7106
1994–95BUF23112-2116
1995–96BUF73151631-2335
1996–97BUF6819244316249
1997–98BUF72520258289
1998–99BUF/PIT6261622-12177
1999–00PIT641212243197
2000–01PIT/TBL765813-10265
2001–02TBL/NYR7781321-10214
2002–03NYR791422369142
2003–04NYR/COL8216254118157
2005–06CHI8282028-11178
2006–07DAL391675127
Total834113187300+52,562
In the playoffs, Barnaby appeared in 62 games with the , , , and , recording 7 goals, 15 assists, 22 points, and 170 penalty minutes. His most productive postseason came in 1997–98, when he scored 7 goals in 15 games during the Sabres' run to the Eastern Conference Finals. The following table summarizes Barnaby's NHL playoff performance year by year:
SeasonTeamGPGAPTSPIM
1992–93BUF10114
1993–94BUF300017
1996–97BUF804436
1997–98BUF15761322
1998–99PIT1300035
1999–00PIT1102229
2003–041102227
Total6271522170

Junior and other leagues

Barnaby began his junior hockey career in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) with the Beauport Harfangs during the 1990–91 season, where he established himself as a physical presence known for high penalty minutes. In his year, he recorded 9 goals and 5 assists for 14 points over 52 , while accumulating 262 penalty minutes, reflecting his aggressive playing style. The following season, 1991–92, marked a significant offensive improvement, as he tallied 29 goals and 37 assists for 66 points in 63 , alongside 476 penalty minutes, which helped position him as a top prospect. In 1992–93, Barnaby split time among three QMJHL teams after trades: starting with Beauport (19 games, 12 goals, 23 assists, 35 points, 144 PIM), then Verdun Collège Français (33 games, 26 goals, 35 assists, 61 points, 217 PIM), and finishing with the (13 games, 6 goals, 9 assists, 15 points, 87 PIM). In the playoffs with , he contributed 2 goals and 4 assists for 6 points in 6 games, with 44 penalty minutes. Over his full QMJHL tenure (180 games), Barnaby amassed 82 goals, 109 assists, and 191 points, but led the league in penalty minutes with 1,186, underscoring his enforcer role that ultimately led to his selection 83rd overall by the in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft.
SeasonTeamLeagueGPGAPTSPIM
1990-91Beauport HarfangsQMJHL529514262
1991-92Beauport HarfangsQMJHL63293766476
1992-93Beauport HarfangsQMJHL19122335144
1992-93QMJHL33263561217
1992-93QMJHL13691587
QMJHL Totals180821091911,186
Prior to the QMJHL, Barnaby played in the 1989–90 season with the Hull Frontaliers of the QAHA, posting 43 goals and 50 assists for 93 points in 50 games, along with 149 penalty minutes. Transitioning to professional hockey, Barnaby spent his early years in the (AHL) with the , the Sabres' affiliate, from 1993 to 1995. In 1993–94, he played 42 games, scoring 10 goals and 32 assists for 42 points, with 153 penalty minutes and a -8 plus-minus rating. His performance elevated in 1994–95, with 21 goals and 29 assists for 50 points in 56 games, 274 penalty minutes, and a +7 plus-minus, showcasing his development as a scoring winger before earning a full-time NHL role. Across 98 AHL games, he totaled 31 goals, 61 assists, 92 points, and 427 penalty minutes.
SeasonTeamLeagueGPGAPTSPIM+/-
1993-94AHL42103242153-8
1994-95AHL56212950274+7
AHL Totals98316192427-1
Years after his NHL retirement, Barnaby returned to competitive play in senior hockey, appearing in 3 games for the of the (ACH) league during the 2013–14 season, where he recorded 1 goal and 2 assists for 3 points and 14 penalty minutes. This brief stint highlighted his enduring connection to the game but marked a contrast to his high-intensity junior and minor league days that paved the way for his NHL career.
SeasonTeamLeagueGPGAPTSPIM
2013-14ACH312314

References

  1. https://www.nhl.com/player/matthew-barnaby-8459019
  2. https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/b/barnama01.html
  3. https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_1996_leaders.html
  4. https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_2001_leaders.html
  5. https://www.thehockeynews.com/news/espn-fires-hockey-analyst-matthew-barnaby-after-former-nhler-charged-with-dwi
  6. https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/ex-nhl-player-barnaby-avoids-jail-time-with-guilty-plea-1.1040352
  7. https://facesmag.ca/former-nhl-tough-guy-matthew-barnaby-remains-unfiltered/
  8. https://www.everand.com/book/897266588/Matthew-Barnaby-Unfiltered
  9. https://www.eliteprospects.com/draft/qmjhl-entry-draft/1990
  10. https://thehockeynews.com/news/matthew-barnaby
  11. https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/9073/matthew-barnaby
  12. https://www.nhl.com/sabres/news/buffalo-sabres-looking-back-on-the-sabres-1998-99-season-25-years-later
  13. https://www.deseret.com/1998/5/11/19379294/barnaby-s-hat-trick-helps-buffalo-defeat-montreal/
  14. http://www.nhltradetracker.com/user/trade_list_by_player/Barnaby%2CMatthew
  15. https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/2001/1212/1294822.html
  16. https://sportsforecaster.com/nhl/p/10074/Matthew_Barnaby/transactions
  17. https://www.si.com/nhl/2013/04/17/17nhl-careers-ended-by-concussions
  18. https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=206
  19. https://www.buffalo.edu/ubnow/stories/2014/February/concussion_risks.html
  20. https://www.triumphbooks.com/matthew-barnaby-products-9781629379876.php
  21. https://www.siriusxm.ca/newsroom/2019-stanley-cup-playoffs-on-siriusxm/
  22. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iia_I9UisAc
  23. https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/1809/dundas-real-mccoys/stats/2013-2014?sort=tp
  24. https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/kitchener-rangers-name-matthew-barnaby-as-assistant-coach/n-5161789
  25. https://lfpress.com/2016/10/19/kitcheners-matthew-barnaby-turns-his-back-on-his-penalty-ridden-nhl-past-to-preach-restraint-to-younger-ohl-rangers-players
  26. https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0008122017.html
  27. https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2017/10/03/rangers-part-ways-coach-barnaby-2/
  28. https://www.rocklandnationalsjuniora.com/nationals-announce-changes-to-coaching-staff
  29. https://chl.ca/ohl-rangers/article/kitchener-rangers-part-ways-with-assistant-coach-matthew-barnaby
  30. https://echl.com/players/8236/matthew-barnaby
  31. https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/16-unfiltered-w-matthew-barnaby-guest-taylor-barnaby/id1457887585?i=1000579836635
  32. https://www.wevv.com/sports/evansville-thunderbolts-sign-forward-matthew-barnaby-jr/article_4cafafcc-90d3-11ef-ad84-17cd5692a9cb.html
  33. https://echl.com/news/2024/08/railers-agree-to-terms-with-barnaby
  34. https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/329764/matthew-barnaby
  35. https://alchetron.com/Matthew-Barnaby
  36. https://www.fastpeoplesearch.com/address/20-autumn-creek-ln-unit-b_east-amherst-ny-14051
  37. https://ottawasun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/ottawa-senators/former-nhl-tough-guys-andre-roy-matthew-barnaby-delivering-punchlines
  38. https://buffalonews.com/news/ex-sabre-barnaby-faces-domestic-violence-charges/article_037891eb-c7f1-5624-9c6c-37e5ea52df74.html
  39. https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/espn-matthew-barnaby-arrested-domestic-incident-034851839.html
  40. https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2011/07/espns-barnaby-gets-community-service/
  41. https://www.nbcsports.com/nhl/news/espns-matthew-barnaby-arrested-for-dwi-after-driving-on-three-tires
  42. https://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/blog/morning_roundup/2011/12/barnaby-pleads-guilty-to-dwi.html
  43. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/espn-matthew-barnaby-dui-sabres-269919/
  44. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2020/03/05/matthew-barnaby-nhl-espn-analyst-arrested-public-intoxication-assault/4964343002/
  45. https://www.tmz.com/2020/09/28/matthew-barnaby-nhl-bar-fight-case-dropped/
  46. https://www.amazon.com/Matthew-Barnaby-Unfiltered/dp/1629379875
  47. https://edmontonjournal.com/sponsored/news-sponsored/alzheimers-face-off-annual-hockey-tournament-fundraiser-returns
  48. https://buffalonews.com/sports/sabres/sabres-notebook-matthew-barnaby-andrew-peters-to-tell-hockey-stories-for-charity/article_4e3601ee-bf7c-57f4-974a-fce7a0679295.html
  49. https://www.omha.net/news_article/show/629129-podcast-coaching-your-kid
  50. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unfiltered-with-matthew-barnaby/id1457887585
  51. https://www.hockeyfights.com/players/82
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