Lucius has announced the end of his playing career after being diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

EDGE Analysis

Lucius has dealt with multiple joint injuries during his playing career, and his diagnosis with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome explains those issues. He was advised to end his playing career following the diagnosis. It's an unfortunate end to Lucius' time in hockey, which saw him drafted 18th overall in 2021. He played three seasons in the professional ranks but was limited to 54 games, earning seven goals and 20 assists during his time with AHL Manitoba. He was also a bronze medalist with Team USA during the 2022-23 World Junior Championship.

Lucius has been held back the last three seasons by injuries.

EDGE Analysis

Lucius was drafted 18th overall in 2021 and has had major injuries over the previous two seasons, including a shoulder injury in Feb. 2023 that finished his campaign, as well as an ankle injury that required surgery in Jan. 2024 that halted his season after only 17 AHL games with Manitoba. In 2024-25, the 21-year-old has played in a career-high 25 games with the Moose, tallying three goals and six assists, missing five weeks of action after an undisclosed injury Nov. 1. Lucius needs to stay healthy and perform to get his career back on track.

Lucius will miss the rest of the 2022-23 campaign after undergoing shoulder surgery Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Lucius -- who was selected 18th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft -- played in just 18 games for AHL Manitoba and junior team WHL Portland this season. With the Moose, the 19-year-old center tallied two goals and three assists in 12 contests. At this point, Lucius will likely have to continue playing in the minors or juniors next year once overcoming his shoulder injury.

Lucius was assigned to WHL Portland on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Lucius recently represented the United States at the 2023 World Junior Championship. He supplied five goals and two assists in seven games en route to a bronze medal. Before the tournament, the 19-year-old forward had two goals and five points in 12 games with AHL Manitoba. The Jets took Lucius with the No. 18 pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.

Lucius has been sent to the minors by the Jets, according to the team's website.

EDGE Analysis

Lucius was selected 21st overall in the 2021 Draft by the Jets and will begin his first professional season with the Moose of the AHL after he had nine goals and 19 points in 24 games with the University of Minnesota. The highly regarded prospect will get plenty of playing time in the minors and will attempt to crack the Jets lineup later in the season.

Lucius signed a three-year, entry-level deal with the Jets on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Lucius posted 19 points in 24 games with the University of Minnesota as a freshman this season, but he'll forgo the rest of his college career to turn pro. The Kansas native projects to be a goal-scorer first and foremost, but he'll likely need some time with AHL Manitoba to refine his play.