Jets Prospect Chaz Lucius Retires at 21 Due To Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Winnipeg Jets first-round prospect Chaz Lucius has retired from professional hockey at age 21 after being diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), the player and organization announced Thursday.

“After much discussion and consultation with Chaz, his representatives, and medical professionals, the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club fully supports his difficult decision to retire,” a Thursday afternoon social media post by the Jets states. “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.”

EDS is hereditary connective tissue disorder. Symptoms include loose, overly-flexible joints and joint pain, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Lucius, a forward selected 18th overall in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, simply couldn’t stay healthy, playing just 54 games with the Manitoba Moose in the American Hockey League over three seasons and no NHL games since being drafted. Prior to this season, he had undergone four season-ending surgeries in as many years.

Lucius played a career-high 25 games with the Moose this season, but hadn’t suited up since February due to what the organization described, until now, vaguely as “an ailment.”

“As I struggled with incurring and recovering from various joint injuries over the past several years, I had thought I was just unlucky,” a social media statement attributed to Lucius reads. “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 Hockey Writers wishes Lucius much success in the next chapter of his life and in his goal of advocating for those living with EDS.