Winnipeg Jets Prospect Chaz Lucius Announces Retirement Due to Health Concerns

WINNIPEG, April 8, 2025 – Chaz Lucius, the Winnipeg Jets‘ 2021 first-round draft pick, has announced his retirement from professional hockey at the age of 21 due to a diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a hereditary disorder affecting connective tissue.

In a statement released through his agency, Newport Sports, Lucius explained his decision: “It is with great disappointment that I am announcing my retirement from playing professional hockey. Recently diagnosed with EDS, I now realize that my body impacted by EDS could not handle the physical nature of playing hockey.”

The Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club expressed its full support for Lucius’s decision, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing health. “Chaz’s condition and struggles with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) put him at risk of injury if he continues to play at the professional level, so we understand his choice,” the organization stated.

Lucius had been a member of the Jets’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Manitoba Moose, where he recorded nine points in 25 games during the current season. His last game was played on February 9, 2025. Despite a promising career trajectory, repeated injuries hampered his progress.

In his statement, Lucius noted that he initially thought his injury struggles were simply bad luck. “As I struggled with incurring and recovering from various joint injuries over the past several years, I had thought I was just unlucky,” he said. “With this diagnosis of EDS, I now realize that my body impacted by EDS could not handle the physical nature of playing hockey.”

Born in Lawrence, Kansas, Lucius played collegiately for the University of Minnesota after a successful stint with the Portland Winterhawks. He was notably part of Team USA during the 2023 World Junior Championship, where he scored five goals, including a hat trick in the bronze medal game against Sweden.

Acknowledging the support he received throughout his career, Lucius thanked the Jets organization, including Mark Chipman and Kevin Cheveldayoff, for their assistance and compassion during challenging times. He also expressed gratitude to his family, friends, and medical staff for their unwavering support.

Lucius now plans to become an advocate for those living with EDS. “I look forward to being an advocate for those suffering with EDS and to all that is ahead of me,” he stated.

The Jets selected Lucius with the 18th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. His selection was based on his impressive performance with the U.S. National Team Development Program, where he showcased his potential as a top forward. Despite facing injury challenges, he remained a promising prospect during his time with the Moose and demonstrated a strong scoring ability when healthy.

This unexpected retirement serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of health in sports, and the Jets organization stands in solidarity with Lucius as he embarks on the next chapter of his life.