Cam Dineen of the Edmonton Oilers (85) takes a hit from Winnipeg Jets forward Chaz Lucius (51) during the first period of an NHL preseason game in Winnipeg on Monday, September 25, 2023. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Fred Greenslade)
Chaz Lucius, a promising young talent drafted by the Winnipeg Jets in the first round of the 2021 NHL Draft, has made the tough decision to retire from hockey at just 21 years old. His announcement came after doctors recently diagnosed him with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a rare genetic condition that weakens the body’s connective tissue, impacting joints and internal organs.
Lucius shared that he had long been battling recurring joint injuries throughout his short career, initially brushing them off as bad luck. But the new diagnosis shed light on why his body was struggling to keep up with the demands of professional hockey.
"I thought I was just unlucky with all the injuries," he said in a statement. "But now I know my body isn’t built to handle the contact and wear of hockey. With this diagnosis and my history of injuries, I’ve been advised not to continue playing."
Lucius, originally from Lawrence, Kansas, had been playing for the Manitoba Moose—the Jets’ American Hockey League affiliate—over the past couple of seasons. He managed to rack up nine points this season before playing his last game on February 9.
The Winnipeg Jets organization expressed full support for Lucius’ decision. "We’ve spoken with Chaz, his representatives, and his doctors," the team said. "Considering the risks he would face continuing to play, we completely understand his choice and stand behind him."
Before joining the Moose, Lucius spent a season playing college hockey at the University of Minnesota, where he scored 19 points in 24 games. He later moved to the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks and tallied 15 points in just six games.
Lucius also represented the United States at the 2023 World Junior Championship, where he helped the team win bronze. He was a standout performer, scoring five goals and assisting on two others across seven games.
At six-foot-two and 185 pounds, Lucius had the physical presence and skill that many believed could shape him into a star center. Unfortunately, his body couldn’t keep pace with his ambition due to the hidden effects of EDS.
Though his hockey career has come to an early end, Lucius says he’s eager to begin a new chapter—raising awareness for others living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
“I’m ready to use my voice to support others who are dealing with this condition,” he said. “It’s not the ending I imagined, but I’m grateful for every moment I had on the ice.”
