Lucius a well of untapped potential

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This article was published 05/07/2024 (435 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Four straight years. Four significant injuries. Four season-ending surgeries.

If it wasn’t for bad luck, Chaz Lucius wouldn’t have any luck at all. The 21-year-old has become a human pin cushion at this point given the number of times he’s gone under the knife to repair various ailments to his knee, shoulder and ankles.

He’s also become a bit of a punch line for critics who say the Winnipeg Jets swung and missed with the 18th-overall pick in the 2021 NHL draft pick.

To be clear, the organization is nowhere close to writing Lucius off as a bust. Nor is the player himself.

“If anything it’s made me stronger,” Lucius told the Free Press on Friday in a candid one-one-one chat at Jets summer development camp, where he’s currently skating on his own in a yellow non-contact jersey rather than with the main group.

“You know, take hockey out of it. It’s made me a stronger person for sure. Just the confidence that comes with that.”

It must feel like Lucius has seen the inside of an operating room more than a hockey rink, playing just 12 games in 2020-21 (U.S. National Development Team), 24 in 2021-22 (University of Minnesota), 18 in 2022-23 (Manitoba Moose and Portland Winterhawks) and 17 in 2023-24 (Moose).

“The injuries have been unfortunate for sure. But it’s nothing I can control,” he said.

“Obviously rehabbing an injury, especially on the surgery side, has not been easy mentally or physically. So just to prove to myself that I can get back and play hockey at a high level each time has been really motivating for me, and an exciting thing about the recovery.”

Lucius was just starting to hit his stride last year when the organization decided to shut him down for surgery, finishing with 13 points (two goals, 11 assists) in 17 games.

“I was definitely starting to get the mojo for sure. Just because I hadn’t played a lot of games, once I started to play a lot of games I felt like I got more and more comfortable, I started producing a lot more,” he said.

“I would have loved to see what would have happened if I played the whole year. I think definitely my opportunity next year would be a bit different. But I’m in the situation I’m in, I can’t control that. The only thing I can control now is just getting back and feeling 100 per cent and playing hockey again, that’s the most important thing.”

The silver lining here is Lucius is slightly ahead of schedule following the Jan. 30 repair of an ankle that had been bothering him for several years and finally got to the point where medical intervention was needed. The plan is to be 100 per cent by the time Jets training camp begins in mid-September.

“That’s the goal for sure. Before I do that, I think the Jets and I have a really good plan. I know they’re not going to put me on the ice unless they feel good and unless I feel good about it,” said Lucius, who is skating this week for the first time.

In a perfect world, Lucius would be gearing up to take a run at a job with the Jets, the way a pair of 2022 picks in Brad Lambert (first-round) and Elias Salomonsson (second-round) are expected to this fall.

“Obviously I’m in a little bit different position with all the injuries I’ve had, so I’m realistic with myself,” said Lucius.

“I know what I need to do. Whether that’s a whole year in the AHL or maybe if I’m playing great hockey I can hopefully get a game or two next year, that would be awesome as well. First and foremost, I just need to stay healthy and prove I can play consistent hockey.”

Moose head coach Mark Morrison said he now sees a more comfortable, relaxed Lucius than the one from development camp a year ago. He also sees a player bursting with potential.

“We see skill in Chaz for sure. He can make some plays that we saw that’s why you’re a first-round draft pick,” said Morrison.

“I went out and watched him skate (Friday) morning a little bit. And, you know, just his comments on how it feels better now even before he got the surgery. So he was skating out there and he’s got a smile on his face. And a little bit of jump to him and things look good.

“Chaz, he’s had a lot of support here within the organization and I’ve got high hopes.”

Lucius credited the organization and several veteran players for helping him through a rough period, noting how Moose teammate Jeff Malott — who lived in the same apartment complex as him — would often pop by for visits following his surgery.

“He would make me dinners, spend time with me, and I really enjoyed that. It definitely helped get me through that,” said Lucius.

“A lot of really good leaders. Things like that really go a long way.”

Lucius was born in Lawrence, Kan., but now lives and trains in Minnesota, where he’s headed back after this week to get ready for what he hopes will be the biggest — and longest — season of his young career.

“Obviously this is a big year for me. Just staying healthy and getting a full year in of hockey is a big goal,” he said. “I’m definitely excited for the opportunity ahead.

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

X: @mikemcintyrwpg