Photo by James Carey Lauder [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/1cf08d3b-8c2a-49f4-937b-ea8ac77fb7ee.jpeg] Photo by James Carey Lauder Winnipeg Jets prospect Chaz Lucius has announced his retirement from professional hockey. The Tuesday evening announcement came with explanation from Lucius' agency, Newport Sports, of his recent diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). EDS is a hereditary disorder that affects the connective tissues in the body that stabilize and support joints and organs. "As I struggled with incurring and recovering from various joint injuries over the past several years, I had thought I was just unlucky," Lucius wrote in his statement shared by Newport Sports. "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." Lucius, who turns 22 next month, was selected 18th overall by the Jets at the 2021 NHL Draft. Although spending three years with the Manitoba Moose, he never worked his way to a call-up to the big league team. He retires with an estimated $1.9 million in career earnings to his name. This was mainly due to injury, which has now been determined to be a side effect of his EDS diagnosis. "I have been fortunate to have incredible support from my family, friends, and the Winnipeg Jets organization," Lucius added. "Mark Chipman, Kevin Cheveldayoff, Craig Heisinger, Dr. Peter MacDonald and all the great medical and training staff of the Jets and Moose have helped me through a very challenging time. I particularly want to thank Mike Keane who consistently checked in on me and cared for me as a person as well as a player." The Lawrence, Kansas product only managed to appear in 54 total AHL games for Manitoba over three seasons - often starting or ending the year on the team's injured reserve. “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 shared in a statement shortly after the announcement on Tuesday evening. "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 put up three goals and nine points in 25 games for the Moose this past season, while retiring with seven goals and 27 total points in 54 AHL contests.
