The Winnipeg Jets have picked USDP forward Chaz Lucius with the 18th pick in the 2021 NHL Draft.
With the 18th overall pick in the 2021 #NHLDraft, the @NHLJets select Chaz Lucius! #NHLonSN | #GoJetsGo pic.twitter.com/ORMyn5E9Wv
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 24, 2021
A gifted goal-scorer, Lucius is an offensive threat every time he's on the ice. Unfortunately, a knee injury kept him sidelined through much of this past season, making the story of his draft year less about his point production and more about his long road to recovery.
Lucius opted to undergo knee surgery last summer, with the uncertainty surrounding the 2020-21 season factoring into his decision, and finally made his long-awaited season debut with the U.S. development team in February.
It was certainly worth the wait, with the Minnesotan scoring a pair of goals and looking like his old self right from the get-go.
While his season was limited to just 13 games, Lucius made the most of every minute by registering 13 goals and 20 points.
Lucius has committed to playing college hockey next year with the University of Minnesota.
