“Give it 100%” – Center Chaz Lucius hopeful to start season with Jets after a year of rehabilitation and uncertainty
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Chaz Lucius
Following a year of change, rehabilitation, and uncertainty, Jets prospective center Chaz Lucius is focused on working on improving his strength and speed. But his improvement in his game style made the Jets confident enough to get them to offer a 3-year entry-level contract to the 19-year-old center.
Chaz was chosen by the Jets during the 2021 NHL Draft as the 18th overall in the first round. After overcoming an injury-plagued season, he is now focused on transitioning from amateur to professional hockey level either with the Jets of the NHL or with Manitoba of the AHL. Jets director of amateur scouting Mark Hillier noted that they will be monitoring him during this training period and then analyze where he will land.
Chaz Lucius works alongside Gabriel Landeskog and Steven Stamkos
Chaz commented, “Obviously I want to be in Winnipeg full-time, but with that being said, whatever the organization sees for me, that is where I’ll play”. “I don’t have any expectations to be here nor there. I’m just going to give it 100 percent whenever I step on the ice sheet.” He could also be playing junior hockey this season, as his rights are currently being held by Portland of the WHL.
Hillier said, “If they think he’s ready to play pro, he’ll play pro”. “It’s just important that he plays a lot of games and a lot of critical minutes in offensive situations where he’s a top-two line and power-play guy. His training camp will determine where he’s ready to play.” Last season Chaz suffered from a hand injury followed by his ankle surgery, which put an end to his season.
He scored 19 points with 9 goals and 10 assists in 24 games. During his summer he spent time with renowned former NHL forward and strength coach Gary Roberts while skating alongside Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog, and Tampa Bay Lightning forward Steven Stamkos, while committing to strengthen his body before training camp.
Hillier said regarding Chaz, “His size and strength, just getting stronger and growing into a man”. “His skating can probably pick up a little bit where he can get a little quicker and faster, and that will come with his strength.” “The instincts and the skill and those things are there,” Hillier said. “Everything should round out as he gets stronger.”
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