Color me surprised that ESPN decided to even fill their Hockey-guru role at all considering the amount of coverage the currently have. According to the Buffalo News, that person will be ex-NHLer and current Time Warner TV Show Host, Matthew Barnaby….

Former Buffalo Sabre Matthew Barnaby is expected shortly to be named as Barry Melrose’s replacement as ESPN’s hockey analyst, The Buffalo News has learned.

According to broadcasting sources, Barnaby and the cable sports network are finalizing details on the deal to replace Melrose, who left after last season to become the coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Barring a last-minute snag, Barnaby’s hiring could be announced within a few days.

The 35-year-old Barnaby, who has teamed with former Sabre Rob Ray on a Time Warner cable show, “The Enforcers,” also played for the New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, Chicago Blackhawks and Tampa Bay in his 13-year NHL career.

I remember Barnaby as a player but I have no idea what he’s like as an analyst. This obviously point back to the fact that ESPN might still be trying to get the NHL back on its stations, but you never know with those shifty folks.

Former Sabre Matthew Barnaby set to join ESPN (Buffalo News)
Matthew Barnaby to Join ESPN (Going Five Hole)

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