Backlash over Lou's rules after NY Islanders FA signing Anthony Duclair cuts hair

Rules are rules.

New York Islanders GM and President of Hockey Operations Lou Lamoriello has his way of running a hockey team, and it hasn't changed for decades. Yet, on Wednesday, he received backlash on social media when free agent signing forward Anthony Duclair shared a photo on Instagram with a tearful emoji showing that he had cut off his dreadlocks ahead of his first training camp with the team.

The fact that the 28-year-old forward had to comply with Lamoriello policy shouldn't surprise anyone, and certainly not Duclair, who signed a four-year, $14 million contract this off-season to be reunited with juniors coach Patrick Roy on Long Island. However, the photo sparked debate about the rules the 81-year-old hockey executive continues to enforce.

"A picture is worth a thousand words, and this one speaks volumes about the out-of-touch, unopposed culture of this sport and one of its most revered people," posted Scott Wheeler from The Athletic on X. That sentiment was shared by others, who seemed to attempt to draw in cultural meaning and societal significance to the photo. That may be overthinking it.

Lamoriello's rules, as unnecessary or absurd as some hockey fans may feel they are, are rooted in the same concept. It's about the team and not the individual. You can disagree with it, not like it, and even think it is wildly outdated and irrelevant, but it's not ill-willed.

They apply to EVERYONE. It doesn't matter if you are the head coach or the new free-agent. Patrick Roy lost his beard when he was hired last January. Matt Martin had hair past his collar, but that wasn't allowed when he signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs where Lamoriello was the GM and his look hasn't changed in the six years since Lamoriello returned him to Long Island in a trade.

Some of Lamoriello's rules are less controversial than others. He is not a fan of high numbers, which is why players from Adam Pelech (50 to 3) and Anthony Beauvillier (72 to 18) had to change their numbers when Lamoriello became the Isles' GM before the 2018-19 season. Veteran players who had established themselves more with the team or another franchise, like Casey Cizikas (53) or JG Pageau (44 with Ottawa and the Isles), are often given an exception.

Facial hair is the one most commonly discussed. You are clean-shaven on a Lamoriello-run team during the regular season. The playoffs are a different story when the bigger the beard, the better, as it means the team has gone deep into the post-season. He has also forever wanted suit jackets and ties worn to and from games, now customary across the NHL. It's also known that broadcasters and media members are not permitted on the team charter and must find their own accomodations.