“Really excited to be back with the guys and just play games.” That’s what the 21-year-old NHL Winnipeg Jets’ prospect had said not too long ago—full of hope, lacing up his skates after a stretch of just 29 games across three tough, injury-filled seasons. The future felt wide open. Fast-forward to now, and the same hockey world that was rooting for his comeback is reeling from a gut punch no one saw coming.

Right as the Winnipeg Jets were flying high—snapping the Blues’ massive 12-game win streak with a clean 3-1 dub—the off-ice vibes turned heavy. That same young bronze medalist, full of promise, just announced his sudden retirement due to a severe illness. Fans have been flooding the scene with prayers and messages, trying to process it all. What started as a comeback story took a heartbreaking detour, and it’s left the NHL community holding their breath.

“It is with great disappointment that I am announcing my retirement from playing professional hockey.” Shared by Newport Sports on April 8, that opening line from 21-year-old Chaz Lucius stopped fans in their tracks. Lucius, once the shining star in the Winnipeg Jets’ system, had been quietly battling something far tougher than just bruises and breaks. “Recently, I was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)… I had thought I was just unlucky.” But as it turns out, it wasn’t bad luck—it was a rare, genetic condition that had been quietly fighting him from the inside.

“With this diagnosis of EDS, I now realize that my body impacted by EDS could not handle the physical nature of playing hockey,” he said honestly, putting it all out there. For years, Chaz had been grinding through recovery after recovery, hoping the next return would stick. But the truth finally caught up. “Given this condition, my injury history, and the physical nature of hockey, I have been medically advised not to continue to play.” And just like that, his NHL dream—one he’d chased with fire and grit—had to be set down.

Still, he made sure to send love to everyone who stood by his side. “I have been fortunate to have incredible support from my family, friends, and the Winnipeg Jets organization.” He didn’t forget a single name, especially “Mike Keane who consistently checked in on me and cared for me as a person as well as a player.” And while the skates are off, his heart’s not out of the game. “I feel blessed to have experienced all that hockey gave me… even though I am crushed that I cannot continue to pursue my dream of playing in the NHL.” But don’t count Chaz out. He’s already looking ahead: “I look forward to being an advocate for those suffering with EDS and to all that is ahead of me.”

And yep, the fans showed up big time for the rising NHL star—he wasn’t alone in that moment. One fan spoke for so many when they wrote, “Brutal news to hear as a Jets fan. I wish him and his family the best.” Honestly? Brutal doesn’t even begin to cover it. Chaz wasn’t just any prospect—he was the guy. A rising star. And back in 2023? Oh, he was cooking. Dude pulled off a full-blown hat trick in one of the wildest World Juniors bronze medal games we’ve seen in a minute.

That final goal? Pure cinematic magic. After Lane Hutson danced past defenders and tested Sweden’s goalie with some spicy puck work, it was Chaz who swooped in—‘backhanded the puck home at 2:06′ of OT and sealed the deal. U.S. 8, Sweden 7. Bronze in hand. Halifax lit up. And honestly, that wasn’t just a goal, that was a moment. Chaz Lucius wasn’t just playing hockey—he was writing highlight reel history. But this was just the beginning!

NHL fans rally behind a young star!

Another fan jumped in with a gut-punch of a comment: “Brutal for him and the Jets.” Chaz Lucius wasn’t just some name on a roster—he was the guy teams build dreams around. First-rounder, 18th overall, scooped up by the Winnipeg Jets in that big 2021 NHL Entry Draft moment. And before that? He was lighting it up in college with the Minnesota Golden Gophers, already looking like a future NHL staple with a stick that knew how to sing. “Man, that sucks,” echoed another, disappointed by the news.

After that, he started stacking stats in the AHL with the Manitoba Moose, racking up 5 points in just 12 games. And once he returned from his World Juniors run, he was back on the ice again, this time with the Portland Winterhawks in the WHL—yep, the same squad that picked him way back in the 2018 draft. So yeah, when someone out there said, “sending love and strength to Chaz and his family. hope that he can get the support and care he needs and deserves!”—it wasn’t just words. It was the NHL fans watching a chapter close on a player they genuinely believed in, sending nothing but love his way.

Another user kept it real with, “Man, that’s a tough one. Still got plenty of time to find a new passion at least.” And honestly? That’s the silver lining we’re all hoping Chaz Lucius can hold on to. He’s only 21—with a whole life ahead and plenty of room to flip the script, chase a new dream, and write a brand new story. We’ve seen it before, too—when fate reroutes a star’s journey way too soon. Just look back to 2021, when the legendary NHL star Henrik Lundqvist had to hang up the pads.

That one stung. Saying “it’s time” with grace and grit, Lundqvist broke hearts across the hockey world after announcing he needed another heart procedure. After 15 magical years in the NHL, mostly wearing that iconic Rangers blue, he said goodbye with a heavy heart and a hopeful tone: “The future excites me. I’ve met so many amazing people over the years that will help to guide and inspire me in my new journey.” And with the 21-year-old already having made up his mind to support people with EDS, it looks like he has already found a cause to devote himself to.