New York Islanders’ Anthony Duclair Upsets Fans with Haircut Due to Team Rules

New York Islanders player Anthony Duclair recently shocked fans by revealing a major change in his appearance. Duclair had to cut off his long locs due to the strict cut-and-shave rules enforced by general manager Lou Lamoriello. The sight of a pile of cut braids on his Instagram story, accompanied by a sad face emoji, left fans feeling disappointed and upset.

Lamoriello’s Strict Rules

Lou Lamoriello has been known for his strict “clean” policy since he began his NHL career in 1987. This policy includes no facial hair (except during playoffs), no jewelry, and the requirement for jackets and ties on game days. Additionally, players are not allowed to have hair that extends past the collar. It’s evident that Duclair had to abide by these rules when he decided to join the Islanders in July and sign a four-year contract worth $14 million.

Devoted fans of the New York Islanders expressed their disappointment and sympathy for Anthony Duclair after he had to make the tough decision to cut his hair. One fan mentioned how they were grateful for Duclair sharing his experience, as it sparked important conversations about the outdated and unreasonable nature of the team’s hair rules. Another fan simply stated, “I really hate this for The Duke.”

It’s unclear whether Anthony Duclair was fully aware of the strict grooming rules set by Lou Lamoriello before signing with the Islanders. While it’s common for professional sports teams to have guidelines for appearance and behavior, the drastic measure of cutting off his locs may have come as a surprise to Duclair. The Islanders have yet to comment on the situation, leaving fans wondering about the reasoning behind this decision.

Anthony Duclair’s unexpected haircut due to the New York Islanders’ team rules has stirred up emotions among fans and sparked a conversation about the necessity of such stringent regulations in professional sports. As the NHL continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see if more players speak out against these outdated policies and advocate for greater individual expression on the ice.