Top prospect Chaz Lucius is forced to retire at just 21 years old

Winnipeg Jets prospect Chaz Lucius has announced his retirement from professional hockey at just 21 years old due to a disorder called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).

It is with great disappointment that I am announcing my retirement from playing professional hockey.

Recently, I was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) which 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 past several years, I had thought I was just unlucky. 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.

- Chaz Lucius

Lucius would go on to thank the Jets' organization, his teammates, his family and the medical professionals who have helped him and will continue to help him.

Read below for his full statement:

Lucius was selected in the 1st round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, 18th overall, after a stellar showing with the U.S. National Development Team. He'd go on to be a star forward for the University of Minnesota and put up five goals and seven points in seven games for Team USA at the 2023 World Junior Championships.

While he had yet to crack the Jets' NHL roster, he showed promise in limited time with the AHL's Manitoba Moose. In just 17 games last season he managed 13 points. He was limited to just 25 games this season, due to injury and recovery which he now know was hampered by his condition.

All the best to this courageous young man. This could NOT have been an easy decision to make, but he made the right decision for his health. There's a world of opportunity out there for a 21 year old man with the courage and determination that he possesses. Here's to a lifetime of success for you, young man. Move forward knowing that you did everything you possibly could to live out your dream with no regrets.