Chaz Lucius

Chaz Lucius (born May 2, 2003) is an American former professional ice hockey center. Although Lucius was drafted in the first round by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2021 NHL entry draft, he never played in the NHL.

Lucius played collegiate hockey with the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the NCAA. His professional career was plagued by numerous injuries. After playing parts of three seasons for the Manitoba Moose, the Jets' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, he was diagnosed with Ehlers–Danlos syndrome and retired from professional hockey in April 2025.

Playing career Following his freshman season with Minnesota, Lucius concluded his collegiate career by signing a three-year, entry-level contract with the Winnipeg Jets on April 27, 2022. Lucius began his professional career with the Jets' American Hockey League affiliate, the Manitoba Moose, recording 2 goals and 3 assists in 12 games. After returning from the World juniors, Lucius was assigned to play major junior hockey for the remainder of the 2022-23 season with the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League (WHL) on January 9; he had originally been selected by the Winterhawks 74th overall in the 4th round of the 2018 WHL draft.

Despite being assigned on January 9, due to the team being on an East Division road trip, Lucius did not make his debut until January 20, against the Victoria Royals. In his debut, Lucius recorded 2 assists in a 7–6 overtime win.

On April 8, 2025, after suffering from multiple joint injuries in the prior three seasons, Lucius announced his retirement from professional hockey via Instagram after being diagnosed with Ehlers–Danlos syndrome.

International play

On December 12, 2022, Lucius was named to the United States men's national junior ice hockey team to compete at the 2023 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. During the tournament he recorded five goals and two assists in seven games and won a bronze medal.

Personal life

Lucius has one younger brother, Cruz, who also plays hockey. Cruz played as a winger for the Arizona State Sun Devils of the NCAA; he was drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2022 and currently is an Anaheim Ducks prospect.

Career statistics Regular season and playoffs Regular seasonPlayoffs Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM 2019–20U.S. National Development TeamUSHL 32 8 14 22 6 — — — — — 2020–21 U.S. National Development Team USHL 12 13 5 18 6 — — — — — 2021–22 University of Minnesota B1G 24 9 10 19 23 — — — — — 2022–23 Portland Winterhawks WHL 6 5 10 15 0 — — — — — 2022–23 Manitoba Moose AHL 12 2 3 5 6 — — — — — 2023–24 Manitoba Moose AHL 17 2 11 13 6 — — — — — 2024–25 Manitoba Moose AHL 25 3 6 9 6 — — — — — AHL totals 54 7 20 27 18 — — — — —

International Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM 2019 United States U17 6 7 3 10 0 2023 United States WJC 7 5 2 7 0Junior totals 13 12 5 17 0