NHL prospects were forced to cut skates before playing for the team that drafted him.
Four years ago, Chaz Lucius, the first pick, announced his retirement on Tuesday after being diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Lucius was drafted by the Winnipeg Jets in his 18th overall selection and played for AHL affiliate marketing.
For sports coverage on foxnews.com, click here
Winnipeg's Chaz Lucius is putting pressure on Forecheck, who will face Ottawa in the third season on September 29, 2023. (via Richard A. Whitaker/Icon Sports Wire Getty Images)
“I just thought I was unlucky. This EDS diagnosis made me realize that my body couldn't handle the physical nature of playing hockey,” Lucius said in a statement. “Given this condition, the history of my injuries, and the physical nature of hockey, I have been advised not to continue playing medically.”
Lucius said he has dealt with joint injuries for many years and is difficult to recover from them.
“Even though I was crushed to be unable to continue pursuing my dream of playing in the NHL, I feel blessed to have experienced everything that hockey has given me over the years,” he said.
Minnesota's Chaz Lucius will be on display during his match against Michigan on February 5, 2022. (Baile Hirsim/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The wife of late NHL star Johnny Gordlow announces the birth of his son seven months after his tragic death
“After much discussion and consultation with his representative and health professional Chaz, the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club is fully in support of his difficult decision to retire,” the Jets said in a statement. “The struggle between Chaz's condition and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) has put him at risk of injury if he continues to play at a professional level, so we understand his choice.
Lucius was a member of the US National Development Program before playing for the University of Minnesota in the 2021-22 season. He competed in the 2023 World Junior, where he and the United States won a bronze medal.
Team USA's Chaz Lucius is playing against Team Switzerland in the IIHF World Junior Championship Game held in Moncton, Canada on December 29, 2022. (Dale Preston/Getty Images)
Click here to get the Fox News app
During the AHL, center Lucius played in just 54 games, scoring seven goals and 20 assists.
Follow Fox News Digital's Sports Coverage on X and subscribe to Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
