Some extremely sad news emerged today, as Chaz Lucius, a first-round draft pick by the Winnipeg Jets in 2021, has officially announced his retirement from professional hockey at just 21 years old. The decision comes following a diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), a rare hereditary condition that affects the body’s connective tissue.

In a personal statement released today, Lucius explained, “EDS is a hereditary disorder that affects the connective tissue that stabilizes and supports the joints and organs throughout the body.”

“As I struggled with incurring and recovering from various joint injuries over the last several years, I 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. Given this condition, my injury history, and the physical nature of hockey, I have been medically advised not to continue to play.”

The Lawrence, Kansas native spent the last two-plus seasons with the Jets’ AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose. Lucius appeared in 25 games for the Moose during the 2024–25 season, tallying nine points (3G, 6A) before his final game on February 9th.

Prior to turning pro, Lucius played one season of NCAA hockey with the University of Minnesota in 2021–22, recording 19 points (9G, 10A) in 24 games for the Golden Gophers. He later joined the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks in 2022–23, where he made a strong impact with 15 points (5G, 10A) in just six games.

Lucius also represented the United States at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, notching seven points (5G, 2A) in seven games as Team USA claimed the bronze medal.

Chaz’s younger brother, Cruz Lucius, continues to pursue his hockey career. He plays for the Arizona State Sun Devils in the NCAA and was drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2022.

While this marks a heartbreaking early end to a promising career, Lucius leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, skill, and determination. The entire hockey community wishes him nothing but the best as he begins this new chapter of his life.