Matthew Barnaby was born May 4, 1973 in Ottawa, Ontario. The fourth round, 84th overall selection of the Buffalo Sabres in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft, Barnaby is a graduate of the QMJHL.
The Ottawa, Ontario native spent four seasons in the QMJHL with stops in Beauport, Verdun and Victoriaville. Twice he led the league in penalty minutes, once while compiling a respectable 111 points, good for eighth overall in the league.
Before assuring himself a regular roster spot with the Sabres in 1995-96, Barnaby spent his share of time with the team's AHL affiliate in Rochester. In his first full season in the NHL, with the Buffalo Sabres, Barnaby led the league with 335 minutes in penalties.
After a run of almost five seasons in the Buffalo organization, Barnaby was dealt to the Pittsburgh Penguins and played 129 games with team before he was shipped off to Tampa Bay. Always noticeable when on the ice, Barnaby became a fan favorite in Tampa Bay with his feisty play and give all attitude. In 2001-02, he was off to the Big Apple and the New York Rangers and went on to play up until the latter stages of the 2003-04 season before being acquired by the Colorado Avalanche.
Barnaby jumped from Colorado to Chicago to Dallas over three seasons. As a member of the Stars, he would suit up for 39 games with the club before suffering a concussion in a January 9, 2007 in a game against the Coyotes. The concussion Barnaby suffered caused him to miss the remainder of the season and eventually end his career after 834 career NHL games played.
