Chaz Lucius goes to Winnipeg Jets with 18th overall pick in NHL draft
The Gophers commit played last season for the U.S. national U18 program in Plymouth, Mich.
July 23, 2021 — 9:04pm
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After a season of uncertainty — in a year vital to his draft prospects — Chaz Lucius got a big payoff Friday night.
The future Gophers center was the top Minnesotan taken in the 2021 NHL Draft when he was chosen 18th overall by the Winnipeg Jets. He was actually the 17th player taken because Arizona had to forfeit its first-round pick.
Lucius, who committed to the Gophers when he was 14 years old, is from the northeast Twin Cities suburb of Grant. He played for the U.S. national under-18 program last season, but was sidelined for most of the season while recovering from leg surgery.