Winnipeg Jets Prospect Chaz Lucius Retires at 21 Due to Hereditary Tissue Disorder

Winnipeg Jets prospect Chaz Lucius announced his retirement from hockey on Tuesday due to a diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a "group of inherited disorders that affect your connective tissues—primarily your skin, joints and blood vessel walls."

"After much discussion and consultation with Chaz, his representatives, and medical professionals, the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club fully supports his difficult decision to retire," the Jets' organization said in a statement. "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. We wish Chaz all the best in his efforts to be an advocate for those dealing with EDS and hope for a bright future in front of him."

Lucius, 21, has spent the last three seasons playing for the Manitoba Moose—Winnipeg's AHL affiliate—after being the No. 18 overall pick in the 2021 draft. He also spent time at the University of Minnesota (2021-22).

In 25 games this season, Lucius registered nine points, though he hasn't played since February. He had 13 points in the 2023-24 season for Manitoba and five points in the 2022-23 campaign.

Lucius worked his way up the ranks with the U.S. National Team Development Program, eventually appearing at the 2023 World Juniors.

Injuries throughout his career, however, hampered his development.

"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 in his retirement statement. "With this diagnosis of EDS, I now realize that my body impacted by EDS could not handle the physical nature of playing hockey."