Matt Martin shared his thoughts on the negative press that comes Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello's way regarding his rules.
Matt Martin shared his thoughts on the negative press that comes Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello's way regarding his rules.
EAST MEADOW, NY -- Last week, Anthony Duclair shared pictures on Instagram of him shaving his beard and cutting off his dreadlocks as he prepares for his first training camp with the New York Islanders.
The pictures led to negative remarks thrown Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello's way, despite his clean-shaven and haircut policy for all his players dating back to 1987, when he joined the New Jersey Devils organization.
The argument was more about how Lamoriello's rules are archaic and that the policies he enforces should be forgotten.
But, unless you have played for Lamoriello and understand what he's all about -- not someone who watches his teams from the stands, the press box, or on television -- then you don't know the whole story.
Matt Martin, who has played a total of eight years under Lamoriello, is tired of the disrespect that comes the Hockey Hall of Famer's way.
"You know the policy before signing. I mean, it's no secret," Martin told The Hockey News. "I had long hair. I signed in Toronto. I knew I had to get my hair cut."
In the summer of 2016, Martin left Long Island, signing a four-year deal with the Maple Leafs worth $10 million, a year after Lamoriello joined Toronto following a 28-year stint in New Jersey.
Then, once Lamoriello joined the Islanders in 2018, he reacquired Martin, sending goalie Eamon McAdam back the other way.
"The thing about Lou is he is a very loyal guy. He'll do anything for you, as a person and as a player," Martin said. "He isn't someone that's looking for attention for it, either.
"You hear more about this crap than you do the good things he does."
Contrary to popular belief, Lamoriello doesn't just have his rules for funsies.
There's a method and a reason for those methods.
"I've been with Lou a long time. He expects things done a certain way. He has reasons for why he wants those things done," Martin said. "So if you go up to his office and ask him why, he has a reason for why he believes in it. It's not just to show dominance. He has his reasons as to why we do everything we do.
"Whether you agree with it or not, you respect it because he puts a lot of time and effort into building a winning culture. He always has. So, every single guy falls in line. It's all about the team."
The legendary coach Herb Brooks preached, "When you pull on that jersey, you represent yourself and your teammates. And the name on the front is a hell of a lot more important than the one on the back."
Lamoriello preaches that, too.
"If you ever got to know Lou, that's how he operates," Martin said. "It's not about individuals, it's about the team, and you win the race as a team.
"Whether he would share these stories with you or not, I don't know. But like I said, I've been in his office many times over the years. He has his reasons for why he believes these things make you a better team overall. So if you want to be a part of the New York Islanders, or at the time in Toronto, you know what you're signing up for when you do it."
Lamoriello isn't just a general manager to his players. He's family.
"He is one of the first calls I would make if I ever really needed something," Martin said. "He certainly deserves more positive press than he's getting."