The United States National Team Development Program has produced a number of top NHL prospects in recent years. This year should be no different, and top-line centre Chaz Lucius is a player who should be highly sought after in this year’s draft class. Lucius played 13 games with the Under-18 squad this year, putting up 13 goals and seven assists for 20 points. He has battled through injuries in this strange COVID altered season, and thus missed the IIHF Under-18 World Championships. Despite this, Lucius is expected to be ready for the 2021-22 season. He is committed to playing for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers next year.
In 2019-20 Lucius put up 31 goals and 19 assists for 50 points in 46 games for the US NTDP Under-17 team. He also got a short call-up to the Under-18 team, putting up two assists in six games. Lucius was impressive at the Under-17 World Hockey Challenge. In six games he scored seven goals and three assists for 10 points, helping the US squad to a silver medal. Lucius led the tournament in goals and points and was named to the All-Star Team.
2021 NHL Draft #11: Chaz Lucius Scouting Report