Chaz Lucius retires from hockey - diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

[TheDeuce]

Didn't see this posted elsewhere so apologies in advance if I'm repeating another member:

Chaz Lucius, a first-round draft choice of the Winnipeg Jets in 2021, announced his retirement from hockey on Tuesday after recently being diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

In a statement, Lucius said EDS is "a hereditary disorder that affects the connective tissue that stabilizes and supports the joints and organs throughout the body."
Full story:

Jets statement on the retirement of forward Chaz Lucius | Winnipeg Jets

WINNIPEG, April 8, 2025 – The following is a statement from the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club regarding the decision by Chaz Lucius to retire from professional hockey: “After much discussion and consultation with Chaz, his representatives, and medical professionals, the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club...

www.nhl.com

 

[roccerfeller]

There was some discussion in the Chaz Lucius prospect thread

This is unfortunately not curable, there a spectrum of severity to the disease, and it also explains why he was injured a lot. There are a whole host of other complications that could be serious especially in a physical and high octane sport like nhl hockey so it is for the best from a long term health perspective

Tough news as his talent was there to be a star.

He has a lot to be proud of though, getting drafted in the first round for the nhl is a pretty impressive life accomplishment in and of itself

 

[Larabee]

Such a talented young player. What bad luck for both Chaz and the Jets.

 

[Jets4Life]

I can certainly relate to Lucius, as I had to quit my sport as an elite athlete due to injuries. It must be devastating for him. I hope he can continue with hockey in some regard (coaching,etc).

 

[howkie]

I wounder if Cruz has it aswell? Been very quiet since Arizona got eliminated.. hopefully not, and I hope he just been home to support his big brother

 

[enuffidiotsalready]

i wish this kid the best for the future

 

[Cypruss]

Crazy that a Jets Player got the Ehlers disease? What are the odds....

Kind of like Lou Gehrig getting Lou Gehrig's disease.....he MUST of seen that one coming.

Tough break for Chaz. Hope this career change helps him lead a fuller, more productive life and not having to rehab non stop. Best of luck in the future Chaz!

 

[DRW204]

I wounder if Cruz has it aswell? Been very quiet since Arizona got eliminated.. hopefully not, and I hope he just been home to support his big brother

same thought crossed my mind. dunno what his injury history has been, but i would think he would get tested. not sure if this is genetic or hereditary.

 

[RabidOne]

I know nothing about this disease, I Just hope he can lead a somewhat normal life. Really sucks for him to not completely realize his future as an NHL player.

 

[pld459666]

Sorry to hear this, but better now than after a major injury.

Good luck to the kid

 

[FlappyGiraffe]

Would be nice to get him out in warmups for one of our last home games (if he's up to it) so the fans can give him a big cheer and send off.

 

[Guardian17]

I am sad that Chaz can not continue his playing career.

I am happy that he now has a diagnosis and can move on with his life.

 

[Jetland162702]

Too bad for him and the Jets but kudos to him for putting his health first and walking away.

 

[SUX2BU]

Sorry that this has happened

Best of luck, kid and good health to you going forward

 

[KingBogo]

Would be nice to get him out in warmups for one of our last home games (if he's up to it) so the fans can give him a big cheer and send off.

This board doesn’t represent your average fan. Most people at the game will have no idea who he is.

 

[JetsUK]

Tough news. Have seen a (very) few cases concerning high-performance athletes and the outlooks aren't generally good. Shifting focus to improving and maintaining QoL looks the right move here, especially with the other skills and support he seems to have. Best of luck to Chaz -- watched him a few times in camps and he sure could dazzle.

 

[jigglysquishy]

It just sucks all around. The disease can be brutal if not caught and it's something a lot of people have silently.

Always hate seeing a young person struck with a chronic disease like this.