Jets prospect retires at 21 due to tissue disorder

Field Level Media|published: 04/09/2025, 10:42am EDT

Sep 25, 2022; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Winnipeg Jets forward Chaz Lucius (51) makes a pass in front Edmonton Oilers forward Xavier Bourgault (54) during the third period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

Winnipeg Jets prospect Chaz Lucius announced his retirement due to a hereditary tissue disorder.

The 21-year-old forward, a first-round draft pick (18th overall) in 2021, confirmed his diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome on Tuesday.

The condition affects connective tissues that stabilize the body's joints and organs. Lucius said he has sustained multiple joint injuries over the years and experienced difficulty recovering from them.

"I thought I was just unlucky. With this diagnosis of EDS, I now realize that my body could not handle the physical nature of playing hockey," he said in a statement through his representation, Newport Sports. "Given this condition, my injury history, and the physical nature of hockey, I have been medically advised not to continue to play."

Lucius, who never appeared in an NHL regular season game, played in 25 games this season for the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League and registered three goals and six assists.

The Lawrence, Kan., native came up through the U.S. National Team Development Program and played collegiate hockey at Minnesota (2021-22).

--Field Level Media