Tonight shocking news has come out from the Winnipeg Jets organization as former first round pick Chaz Lucius has retired due to a recent medical diagnosis. Throughout his NHL career Winnipeg Jets forward prospect Chaz Lucius has struggled to stay healthy. This afternoon an announcement has been made confirming that Lucius is retiring from hockey dude to a rare medical condition called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/friedgehnic/status/1909728305512882451'> </a></blockquote></div> <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/thehockeyagency/status/1909727959377649853'> </a></blockquote></div> According to the Mayo Clinic Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is characterized as the following: Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of inherited disorders that affect your connective tissues - primarily your skin, joints and blood vessel walls. Connective tissue is a complex mixture of proteins and other substances that provide strength and elasticity to the underlying structures in your body. This decision was not made lightly by the young talented forward as reports going back to last month revealed he was considering the decision and had not fully made up his mind either way. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/spinohockey/status/1901675276595245451'> </a></blockquote></div> Since the announcement was made the Winnipeg Jets have also put out a statement of their own. After much discussion and consultation with Chaz, his representatives, and medical professionals, the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club fully supports his difficult decision to retire. Chaz's condition and struggles with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) put him at risk of injury if he continues to play at the professional level, so we understand his choice. We wish Chaz all the best in his efforts to be an advocate for those dealing with EDS and hope for a bright future in front of him. After being drafted in the first round of the 2021 NHL Draft Lucius went off to the University of Minnesota where he played 24 games and had 19 points. Since signing with the Jets in 2022 Lucius has shown the ability to be incredibly talented but has never been able to consistently stay healthy playing at most 25 games this season. Despite making progress in games played Lucius has made the heartbreaking and difficult decision to retire from hockey and pursue other future endeavors. As Lucius transitions to life beyond the game of hockey we wish him all the best and hope to see him succeed wherever he ends up next.