Winnipeg Jets Prospect Chaz Lucius retires from Hockey at the age of 21 for medical reasons
Chaz Lucius, a choice of the first round of the Winnipeg Jets in 2021, retired from the professional hockey on Tuesday after being diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos’s syndrome.
Lucius, 21 years old, never played in the NHL, but scored seven goals and 27 points in 54 Ahl games for Moose Manitoba, the affiliate of the Jets top minor league.
“Recently, I was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos (EDS) syndrome which is a hereditary disorder that affects the connective tissue that stabilizes and supports the joints and organs throughout the body,” said Lucius in a declaration on social media of his agency, Newport Sports.
On behalf of Chaz Lucius and his family.
We would like to congratulate Chaz and his family for all his career results and we wish him all the best in his next chapter. pic.twitter.com/nvcapibr9
– Newport Sports (@Thehockeygency) April 8, 2025
“While I was struggling to incur and the recovery from various joint injuries in recent years, I had thought I was just unlucky. With this diagnosis of EDS, now I realize that my body hit by EDS could not manage the physical nature of playing hockey,” he continued.
According to the Cleveland ClinicEDS is “a genetic condition that makes the connective tissue of your body weaker than it should be”. He also explains that and usually affect the skin and joints. There is no cure, but EDS is not dangerous for life once a person learns to manage symptoms and prevent potentially dangerous complications.
Lucius, a center, was classified as the Perspective of the best jets in 2023 Of AtleticoMurat Ates. However, even then, injuries were a concern.
Ates wrote this as part of its 2023 rankings:
“Chaz Lucius needs to stay healthy. He finished three consecutive seasons on the sidelines and, at 20, can already appoint his shoulder, knee and ankle as” parts of the body sheltered by surgery “.
Lucius He had fallen to the eighth between the prospects of the jets Just a year later, mainly because of his inability to stay healthy.
Jets, even in a statement, said they had supported Lucius’ pension.
“After Much Discussion and Consultation with Chaz, His Representatives, and Medical Professionals, The Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club Fully Supports His Difficault Decision to Retire. Chaz’s Condition and Struggles with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) Put Him AT Risk of Injury IF He continues to To To Continue To To Test. Play at the Professional Level, So We Understand His Choice.
Lucius reiterated that he can’t wait to be a supporter of those who suffer from EDS and everything that awaits me “.
(Photo: Richard A. Whittaker / icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
