1997-98 Season
Led team and fifth in NHL in penalty minutes. Missed five games with chest injury. Missed one game with shoulder injury.

The Finesse Game
Despite his goal scoring turn in the playoffs, Barnaby's offensive skills are minimal. He gets some room because of his reputation, and that buys him a little time around the net to get a shot away. He is utterly fearless and dives right into the thick of the action going for loose pucks. But no one hires Barnaby for his scoring touch. His game is marked by his fierce intensity. He hits anyone, but especially loves going after the other team's big names. He is infuriating. He skates well enough not to look out of place and is strong and balanced on his feet. He will do anything to win. If he could develop a better scoring touch he would start reminding people of Dale Hunter.

The Physical Game
Barnaby brings a lot of energy to the game; considering his size, it's a wonder he survived the season. He has to do some cheap stuff to survive, which makes him an even more irritating opponent. Big guys especially hate it, because it's a no-win when a Bob Probert or Randy McKay takes on the poor underdog Barnaby. He's so obnoxious they just can't help it.

The Intangibles
Barnaby has worked hard to step up his skill level and become a more useful everyday player. He can do even more. Not all gunslingers can handle this role, but Barnaby appears to thrive on it. It will be interesting to see how his playoff scoring surge will affect him in the regular season.

Projection
Barnaby's 200 penalty minutes are a sure thing. We're not so sure about 40 points, but he may be setting his sights higher. So will we.

Personal Info
Matthew married his wife, Christine, on June 28, 1997. They have a son, Matthew Joseph Thomas Barnaby Jr., who was born on May 2, 1998. Besides English, Matthew speaks fluent French. His likes playing and watching golf.(His best score was a 78 at Park Country Club) His favorite non-hockey team is The New York Jets Football Team. Matt's favorite foods are Italian and Mexican. One superstition he has is Starbucks Coffee and a bagel before every game. Matt's cousin, Ray Sheppard plays on the Carolina Hurricanes. His post-career plans are to be a hockey broadcaster. His most memorable game was May 10, 1998 against Montreal. If he could be anyone else in the world he would be Michael Jordan. If he was not a hockey player, he would be a lawyer.

Some of his other favorite things are:
Color: Black
Rock Group: Goo Goo Dolls
NFL Team: NY Jets
NHL Team: Montreal Canadians
Actor: Tom Cruise
Actress: Annette Benning
Movie: Good Will Hunting
TV Show: Friends
Car: Ferrari
First Car: Toyota 4 Runner

SOURCE: HOCKEY SCOUTING REPORT