Former NHLer Matthew Barnaby was arrested on assault and public intoxication charges at a bar in downtown Nashville around 1 a.m. Thursday, police said.

Metro Nashville Police were dispatched to Nashville Crossroads bar in response to reports of an intoxicated male, who allegedly was involved in an altercation with his girlfriend and bystanders. Barnaby, 46, was also accused of choking a bouncer at the scene.

Barnaby, who played for the Rangers from 2001-04, was released on $6,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on March 27.

It’s not Barnaby’s first run-in with the law, having pleaded not guilty to five charges for an incident with his estranged wife at her home in May of 2011. Barnaby, whose NHL career ended after 15 years in 2007, allegedly broke down his ex-wife’s door, confronted her in front of police and made harassing phone calls to her boyfriend.

Barnaby’s ex-wife, Christine Cardarella, had a court order on him issued three months prior to the incident to prevent him from entering her home as well as a restraining order. He was sentenced to 500 hours of community service and anger management courses.

The former enforcer, who racked up more than 2,500 penalty minutes in his career, enjoyed a four-year broadcasting career with ESPN before the network cut ties in light of Barnaby getting convicted of a DWI. He was required to complete 100 hours of community service, lost his license for a year and had to go to counseling.

Barnaby was also a podcast partner with radio personality Dean Blundell, who discussed Barnaby’s most recent antics Thursday morning. Blundell offered sympathy to his former co-worker.

“We started getting calls from Nashville news outlets this morning and I’m not going to sewer, my friend,” Blundell said. “I love Matthew but he’s a wildcard and I have to think there’s some serious soul searching going on right now. I’ve only been around Matthew sober.

“I love the guy but he had some issues a few months ago, so we parted ways. He’s a father and a friend to many and he’s sick. Pray for the cat before you judge him.”

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