Jets prospect Chaz Lucius retires due to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Winnipeg Jets prospect Chaz Lucius announced his retirement from hockey Tuesday.

Lucius, who's just 21 years old, was recently diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a hereditary disorder that affects the connective tissue that stabilizes and supports the joints and organs in 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," Lucius said in a statement. "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 Jets drafted Lucius 18th overall in 2021. He never played in an NHL game.

The Lawrence, Kansas, native was a star for the United States' National Team Development Program, registering 72 points in 65 career contests. He won a bronze medal with Team USA at the 2023 World Junior Championship, where he tallied five goals and two assists in seven outings.