“Really excited to be back with the guys and just play games.” That’s what the 21-year-old NHL Winnipeg Jets’ prospect had said not too long ago—full of hope, lacing up his skates after a stretch of just 29 games across three tough, injury-filled seasons. The future felt wide open. Fast-forward to now, and the same hockey world that was rooting for his comeback is reeling from a gut punch no one saw coming.
Right as the Winnipeg Jets were flying high—snapping the Blues’ massive 12-game win streak with a clean 3-1 dub—the off-ice vibes turned heavy. That same young bronze medalist, full of promise, just announced his sudden retirement due to a severe illness. Fans have been flooding the scene with prayers and messages, trying to process it all. What started as a comeback story took a heartbreaking detour, and it’s left the NHL community holding their breath.
“It is with great disappointment that I am announcing my retirement from playing professional hockey.” Shared by Newport Sports on April 8, that opening line from 21-year-old Chaz Lucius stopped fans in their tracks. Lucius, once the shining star in the Winnipeg Jets’ system, had been quietly battling something far tougher than just bruises and breaks. “Recently, I was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)… I had thought I was just unlucky.” But as it turns out, it wasn’t bad luck—it was a rare, genetic condition that had been quietly fighting him from the inside.
“With this diagnosis of EDS, I now realize that my body impacted by EDS could not handle the physical nature of playing hockey,” he said honestly, putting it all out there. For years, Chaz had been grinding through recovery after recovery, hoping the next return would stick. But the truth finally caught up. “Given this condition, my injury history, and the physical nature of hockey, I have been medically advised not to continue to play.” And just like that, his NHL dream—one he’d chased with fire and grit—had to be set down.
On behalf of Chaz Lucius and his family.
We would like to congratulate Chaz and his family on all his career accomplishments and wish him all the best in his next chapter. pic.twitter.com/nVCapIbRh9
— Newport Sports (@TheHockeyAgency) April 8, 2025
Still, he made sure to send love to everyone who stood by his side. “I have been fortunate to have incredible support from my family, friends, and the Winnipeg Jets organization.” He didn’t forget a single name, especially “Mike Keane who consistently checked in on me and cared for me as a person as well as a player.” And while the skates are off, his heart’s not out of the game. “I feel blessed to have experienced all that hockey gave me… even though I am crushed that I cannot continue to pursue my dream of playing in the NHL.” But don’t count Chaz out. He’s already looking ahead: “I look forward to being an advocate for those suffering with EDS and to all that is ahead of me.”
And yeah… the hockey world? It wrapped Chaz Lucius up in a big ol’ blanket of love. One Jets supporter summed it up perfectly, “Brutal news to hear as a Jets fan, I wish him and his family the best.” Brutal’s the word, alright. ‘Cause watching such a young talent hang up the skates this early? That stings deep.
Flashback to 2023, and there he was, snatching up a clutch rebound in OT and gifting Team USA a bronze medal in World Juniors. Oh, and let’s not forget he had dropped a wild hat trick on Sweden in Halifax in the same game. A gamer through and through. And while life had other plans for him, the memories he gave the hockey fam? They’re golden.
This story is developing….
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