Winnipeg Jets Prospect Chaz Lucius announced his pension due to a hereditary tissue disorder.
The 21-year-old forward, a first draft of the first round (18th total) in 2021, confirmed his diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome on Tuesday.
The condition affects connective tissue that stabilizes the body’s joints and organs. Lucius said he has suffered several joint injuries over the years and experienced difficulties in recovering from them.
“I thought I was just bad luck. With this diagnosis of EDs, I now realize that my body could not handle the physical nature of playing hockey,” he said in a statement through his representation, Newport Sports. “Given this condition, my injury history and hockey’s physical nature, I have been medically urged not to continue to play.”
Lucius, who never showed up in an NHL ordinary season match, played in 25 games this season for Manitoba Moose in the American Hockey League and registered three goals and six assists.
Lawrence, Kan.
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