NHL first-round pick retires at age 21 due to tissue disorder diagnosis

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An NHL prospect was forced to hang up his skates before ever playing for the team that drafted him.

Chaz Lucius, a first-round pick four years ago, announced his retirement Tuesday due to an Ehlers-Danlos syndrome diagnosis.

Lucius was drafted by the Winnipeg Jets with the 18th overall selection and had been playing for their AHL affiliate.

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Winnipeg's Chaz Lucius applies pressure on the forecheck during the third period against Ottawa on Sept. 29, 2023. (Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

"I thought I was just unlucky. With this diagnosis of EDS, I now realize that my body could not handle the physical nature of playing hockey," Lucius said in a statement. "Given this condition, my injury history, and the physical nature of hockey, I have been medically advised not to continue to play."

Lucius said that he had been dealing with joint injuries over the years and had difficulty recovering from them.

"I feel blessed to have experienced all that hockey gave me over the years even though I am crushed that I cannot continue to pursue my dream of playing in the NHL," he said.

Minnesota's Chaz Lucius is shown during the game against Michigan State on Feb. 5, 2022. (Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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"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 said in a statement. "Chaz's condition and struggles with Ehlers-Danlos